Things to Do in Collem

Collem’s dense natural beauty, made up as it is of lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and exotic wildlife testifies to the fact that Goa is not just all about beaches and bars but is also home to a very different kind of natural beauty. The most famous way of experiencing this beauty is by visiting the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park which is located on the eastern Goa-Karnataka border and features a vast range of natural and manmade attractions. Full of intense greenery and home to a variety of endangered flora and fauna, this natural park soothes the soul with its peace and solitude. The flickering shadows play about with the sun on the moist forest floor, and the haunting sounds of distant bird calls hang in the silence mantling the thick trees. One of the best things to do in Collem are its long and winding trek routes that are surrounded by a dense forest cover and every step on the route is an adrenaline filled adventure. Stealthy pattering sounds on the dry leaves inside the forest are the only signs of another animal’s presence, and the awful stillness of that thriving forest inspires a similar stillness and awe inside the hearts of the trekkers.

The famous Dudhsagar Falls, the tallest waterfalls in India, are located inside this sanctuary and are a major attraction. The route to the Falls is a favourite trekking route in the sanctuary. They are especially impressive in the monsoon season when the pouring rains intensify their magnitude and makes them a breathtaking spectacle. The four-tiered waterfall is impressive even in the summer season when a number of calm pools around the falls encourage swimmers to take a dip in their cool waters. Though a day trip to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is possible, visitors also have the option of staying at the Jungle Book Café in Collem. Not only does the café provide a convenient resting destination, adventure sports like zip-lining can also be enjoyed here. Some of the best things to do in Collem include riding on and playing with elephants, a pleasant adventure for both adults and children alike. Visiting the ancient Mahadeva Temple, close to the Dudhsagar Falls, and the small but interesting Sahyadri Spice Farm are two other amazing things to do in Collem. A visit to Collem is not just a good way to add variety to your Goan holiday, it also makes for an amazing weekend retreat away from chaotic cities.