Mollem National Park: A Journey Through Goa’s Biodiverse Haven”
Mollem national park Goa
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is a 240 square kilometres protected area located in the Western Ghats, in Dharbandora taluk, Goa State. The area is situated near the town of Molem, 57 kilometres east of Panaji. It contains several important temples dating to the Kadambas of Goa, and home to waterfalls, such as Dudhsagar Falls and Tambdi waterfalls.
This area was first known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. Mollem National Park is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including tigers, leopards, Indian bison, and a wide variety of bird species.
The park is named after Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of the Jain religion, who is believed to have visited the area and meditated here. The park also offers several hiking trails, where visitors can explore the park’s wilderness areas and spot wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Attractions near Mollem national park
This sanctuary and national park contain several geological, cultural and visitor service attractions that make this largest protected area in Goa.
Tambdi Surla Temple
Tambdi Surla is a 12th-century Shiva temple of the lord Mahadeva is an active place or worship, located 13 km east of Bolcornem village. The temple consists of garbhagriha, antarala and a pillared Nandi mandapa built of basalt. The four pillars, embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely carved lotus flowers of the Ashtoken variety.
Dudhsagar waterfalls
Dudhsagar Waterfalls is a 4-tiered waterfall located in the Indian state of Goa. The majestic cascade of white water, running over the steep, nearly vertical cliff of the mountain from a spectacular height of 310 meters. It is both breathtaking and awe-inspiring, making one aware that there are many forces in nature much more powerful than the human mind and body. The waterfall is located in the Sanguem Taluka of Goa, and it is a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Devils Canyon
Devils is an eerie canyon of water carved crevises downstream from Dudh Sagar waterfalls, created from solid rock by serpentine underwater currents. It is just off the main trail soon past the Collem entry point.
Tambdi waterfalls
Tambdi waterfall, located about 2 km southwest of Tambdi Surla, is equally spectacular and only slightly less tall than Dudsagar Falls, however it is rarely visited because of its difficult access by a steep, winding and irregular rocky path.
Sunset Point
Sunset point provides a scenic view of the park, revealing an expanse of closed canopy treetops. It can be reached by park vehicles, hired at Mollem check-point, driving along a zig-zagging road carved from the mountain.
Mollem national park Safari
Mollem National Park offers visitors the opportunity to take a safari through the park’s wilderness areas, where they can spot a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitat. There are several ways to experience a safari in Mollem National Park-
Jeep Safari- Visitors can take a jeep safari through the park’s designated safari routes, which are managed by the park authorities. This is a popular option for those who want to explore the park’s interior and spot wildlife species such as Indian bison, wild boar, sambar deer, and various bird species.
Trekking Safari- Visitors can also opt for a trekking safari through the park’s trails, which is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty and wildlife up close. Trekking is particularly popular for those who want to visit the Dudhsagar Falls, which can be accessed by a trek through the park.
Elephant Safari- Another option for visitors is an elephant safari, which provides a unique and exciting way to explore the park’s wilderness areas. The elephant rides are managed by local tour operators, and visitors can enjoy the experience of riding on the back of an elephant while spotting wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Mollem national park tour
A tour of Mollem National Park is a great way to explore this beautiful protected area and its many attractions. Some of the things you can do on a Mollem National Park tour-
Trekking- The park offers several hiking trails, which are a great way to explore the park’s natural beauty and wildlife up close.
Birdwatching- The park is home to a wide variety of bird species, and visitors can go birdwatching to spot some of them in their natural habitat.
Camping- The park has several camping sites where visitors can stay overnight and enjoy the park’s natural beauty and wildlife at their own pace.
Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary & Mollem national park
The Mollem National Park is located within the boundaries of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions.
Together, the sanctuary and the park offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Goa. Visitors can take a jeep safari or a trek through the park’s wilderness areas, explore the sanctuary’s dense forests, and spot a variety of plant and animal species in their natural habitat.
How to reach Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary
The nearest airport to the sanctuary is the Goa International Airport, which is located approximately 50 kilometers from the park. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary. The sanctuary is well-connected by road, and visitors can reach it by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from nearby cities and towns. The park is located approximately 60 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa, and approximately 40 kilometers from Margao, a major town in South Goa.
The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Kulem Railway Station, which is located approximately 12 kilometers from the park. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.
Sources-Wikipedia.org, goatourspackage, outlookindia.com, goa-tourism.org
