Mollem National Park is the biggest national park in Goa and is a part of the popular Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary that takes you on an enthralling journey of wildlife and exquisite flora. Spread over in an area of 240sq. kilometers in the Western Ghats, Mollem National Park is situated in the Sanguem Taluka of Goa in a small village called Mollem along the eastern border adjoining the state of Karnataka. Visiting the park is a spectacular off-road adventure where you can witness some of the exquisite wildlife species and soak in the beauty of the magnificent landscape.
The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and was called Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. The central area of the sanctuary is 107sq. kilometers and was given the status of a national park in 1978 as Mollem National Park. The park is home to some of the rich and endangered species and houses a large number of animals, birds, and plants that are otherwise on the limit of extinction. The flora in the park comprises evergreen forests, west coast tropical evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests along with several species of herbs, medicinal plants, and shrubs. Around 200 avian species and a plethora of wildlife animals are spotted here which makes for a fascinating trip into the wild.
Take the jeep safaris and head straight into the heart of the dense forest reserve, closer to nature and to the vibrant wildlife. The 12th-century TambdiSurla temple, Devil’s Canyon, Sunset Point, and Tambdi Water Falls are some of the other attractions of the park. Though the tourist season is not in much force during the monsoons, the landscape is a breathtaking beauty at this time and the waterfalls are fed with rain forming a huge force of water.
Densely populated evergreen forests with natural vegetation covers the entire area of Mollem National Park and some areas in a crisscross pattern along the banks of the perennial river and the upper slopes of the Ghat. Along with the primary species of trees the significant ones that are found here are Lagerstroemia, Terminalia, Dalbergia, and Xylia. The park is abode to around 722 flowering species and 128 endemic plant speciesthat are found only in the Western Ghats.
Animals: Herbivores such as Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog, Spotted Deer, and Mouse Deer. The park also has many carnivores such as Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat, Panther, Tiger, Jungle Cat, Indian Civet, Scaly Ant Eater, Sloth Bear, Slender Loris, Giant Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, Hyena, Jackal, Common Otter, and Flying Fox.
Birds: Ruby-Throated Yellow Bulbul, Golden Oriole, Common Grey Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Emerald Dove, Paradise Flycatcher, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar Trogon, White-RumpedSpine Tail, Crested Honey Buzzard, Asian Palm Swift, Ashy Wood Swallow, Olive-backed Pipit, Jungle Babbler, Jungle Owlet, Pompadour Pigeon, Black-crested Bulbul, White-bellied Woodpecker, Scarlet Minivet, Forest Wagtail, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, and Velvet-fronted Nuthatch.
Insects and Reptiles: Endemic butterfly species like Tamil Yoeman and Malabar Tree Nymph, Blue Mormon, Common Jezebel, Common Mime, Plum Judy and reptiles such as King Cobra, Hump-nosed Pit Viper, Bronze-back Tree Snake, Malabar Pit Viper, Indian Rock Python, Common Krait, and Russell’s Viper.
The weather in the park is moderate and varies with the changing seasons of the year. The hottest month here is April with the temperature as high as 36 degrees Celsius and the coldest is in January with a temperature of 18 degree Celsius at night. Monsoons can be a bit humid and the rain might make it difficult for trekking or hiking.
The best time to visit the Mollem National Park or the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of October to March. The weather is pleasant at this time of the year and visitors can enjoy a long safari while soaking in the breathtaking beauty of the place.
Nearest Train Station: The nearest railway station is the Colem Railway Station at a distance of 6km which welcomes trains from all the major cities.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport from Mollem National Park is in Dabolim which is at a distance of 80km. Buses and taxis are available outside the airport.
Road Accessibility : Government and private buses are all available in and around the city which will take you to your destination.
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