Wild Life Sanctuaries

In Goa, there are 4 wild life sanctuaries :

1. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary - This is the biggest of the 4 wild - life sanctuaries, situated along the eastern border of Goa, about 1 ½ hours (60 kms.) drive from Panaji along Panaji - Belgaum National Highway. It covers about 240 sq.kms. of thick forest clad slopes of western ghats and its valleys. The core zone of Bhagvan Mahavir sanctuary comprises an area of 107 sq. kms. and has been notified as a national park, known as Molem National park.

Important attractions within the sanctuary are :

Dudhsagar Falls - Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes in cascades.

Devil's Canyon - splendid piece of geological rock formation, wherein the river Khandepar passes through the sanctuary and has cut across the basalt rock formation.

Tambadi Surla temple - 13 kms. from Molem

2. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - The sanctuary is located at the western tip of the island of Chorao, along river Mandovi, near Panaji. Spread over an area of 178 sq.kms., a variety of local as well as migratory birds are found here. The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year.

3. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - Situated in Ponda taluka, the forest sanctuary in Goa covers 8 sq.kms. Nearly 50 hc. of land at the centre has been is developed as a zoological park, an ecotourism wing and gardens.

4. Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary - situated in Canacona talukas it covers an area of about 86 sq.kms. The area is mainly forested and there is not much of wildlife but for birds.

Springs

Springs are flow of discharged ground water emerging naturally on to the surface. In Goa, there are a number of springs, mainly in Salcette, Tiswadi and Bicholim talukas. The majority of springs have their sources located in hill slopes and are situated in valleys, amidst idyllic and panoramic backgrounds.

Forts

When the Portuguese occupied Goa, they built a series of fortresses along the coast. The following are the important forts :

1. Chapora Fort - this is situated at the northern end of Bardez.
2. Aguada Fort - This is situated high on the cliffs at the mouth of River Mandovi.

Lakes

Mayem lake is located 35 kms. From Panaji, surrounded by green hills. It is a
picnic spot having boating facilities. Other smaller lakes are Harvalem and Karmali.