Places to Visit in Goa

“Untouched and Unexploited”  are words which perfectly describe this beach. Here, one can indulge in an unusual experience away from the chaotic cities as, it is not at all crowded. The cool sea breeze blended with extraordinary scenic views adorns the elegance of the beach.

The serenity in the aura of the beach is perfect to rediscover oneself and, refreshes the mind and soul. Endless river, panoramic scenes, and aqua activities can all be witnessed at once at this impressive beach.

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 7.8 km

“Exuberant extravaganza of Birds” is what you will find here. Spreading over almost 2 km this bewitching Bird Sanctuary is the smallest wildlife sanctuary with variants of avian fauna and, is one of the most captivating places to visit in Panjim.

Truly the Paradise for the bird watchers as this place has countless varieties of birds and, to add up to the amusement here, one can also spot crocodiles and jackals.Apart for the easily spotted birds here, one can also find coots and pintails which are mainly the winter birds and cannot be seen everywhere.

The place gives an entirely new dimension to birdwatching as it has a three-storeyed massive building which is built only for this purpose. From here you can take a glance at all the types of birds and, explore the eye-popping flashes with vibrant colors.

Location: Chorao Island, Ilhas, Ribandar, Goa 403006

Timings: 6:00 AM- 6:00 PM

Entry Fees: Rs. 10/- for Indians
                    Rs. 100/- for foreigners
                    Rs. 25/- for still camera
                    Rs. 150/- per camcorder

Distance from Panjim Bus Stand: Approximately 4.8 km

History of Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary - 

Flora and Fauna at Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary – 

Located in the northeastern region of Goa and teeming with a variety of flora and fauna, lies the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The park sprawls over 8 square kilometers of lush lands and attracts hordes of tourists every year from different parts of the country. Besides harboring a myriad range of wildlife, the sanctuary is also home to those animals who have been injured due to some human-wildlife conflict. It also protects those who suffer the risk of extinction.

Thus, it happens to be one of the safest grounds for breeding animals and encourages research activities on them as well. Not very far from Margao, this picture-perfect sanctuary also has its exclusive deer park, botanical garden, and rose gardens. Thus, you can well understand why this wildlife park happens to be one of the most frequented zones by school children and nature lovers.

The soothing surroundings of the place encompassed within the enchanting hues of green and with the sunlight playing through the leaves will not only restore your mood but also rejuvenate your tired minds. You can relax in the bounty of nature, spend some quality moments with the animals, do some wildlife photography and enjoy the wildlife safari with your dear ones. The trip to Bondla will surely be worth your time and money and will serve as a refreshing change from the city’s cacophony.

If you are not time-bound, then a night stay at one of the forest cottages will surely turn out to be a thrilling experience. The beautiful cottages shrouded in an aesthetical aura lies in the heart of the wilderness where you can immerse yourself in the serenity of the forest at night. The rooms are well equipped with modern amenities and have attractive interiors that will offer you a comfortable stay. Thus, you can look forward to a memorable trip at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary with its spectacular environs.

Flora and Fauna at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

As you step into Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, the picturesque scenery around will leave you in absolute awe. The verdant patches of land flanked by towering deciduous trees and bamboo plantations add a mystical charm to the entire place. Some of the other trees that you will find here are Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, Rosewood, Matti and many others. Clad with the intrinsic beauty of nature, the sanctuary will not fail to mesmerize you with its serenity.

As you travel along the trails of the forest, you will catch frequent glimpses of animals like bears, jungle cats, various types of deer, bison, Malabar Giant Squirrels, and others. You might be lucky enough to spot a panther too. Watch out for the exotic range of birds in the sanctuary. The commonly found ones are hornbills, woodpeckers, and kingfishers.

Flora and Fauna at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary 

Cotigao is noted for the wide range of flora and fauna these forests are home to. It was once the natural habitat of predatory big cats like leopards and tigers, the numbers of which have now decreased due to poaching and natural causes. There still remains a population of panthers and hyenas, but spotting is not common. 

Animal life in Cotigao includes Flying Squirrel, Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, Flying Lizard, Golden-backed Gliding Snake, Sloth-bear, Hump-nosed Pit Viper, and Four-horned Antelope. Variants of interesting birdlife found in this area are  the white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar Trogon, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, the Heart-spotted Woodpecker, the Malabar Crested Eagle, and speckled Piculet.

Beside jeep safaris conducted for visitors from the forest department, there is provision for tourists to enter the jungle in their private vehicles as per convenience. In such a case, a forest guard will be accompanying you and guiding the tour in beneficial directions, like towards the tree-top perches from where the chances of sighting wildlife is more.

The dense jungles here consist mostly of moist-deciduous vegetation and partly, a forest cover of semi-evergreen trees. The trees are toweringly high, rising to 30 meters and higher with canopies that block the sunlight from reaching the forest floor. Botanical enthusiasts will be thrilled to find a range of old and ancient trees in these forests. 

Rich in history and heritage, Korlai Fort is one of the most majestic destinations in Goa. The fort overlooks the vast blue expanse of the Arabian Sea, and offers a stunning view of the gorgeous scenery all around. A haven for nature lovers and history buffs, this fort is an unmissable tourist spot in the state of Goa. The Korlai fort once used to be an elaborate military fortification, and it was occupied by the Portuguese during the 16th century.

It was originally built as an extension of the island in 1521, and it was used as a shield against the Revdanda creek inlet. In those times, this small piece of land was known as Morro De Chaul. The name comes from Morro, which refers to a small hill, and Chaul which was then used to refer to a village nearby whose residents spoke Portuguese-Creolo (also known as the Kristi dialect).

The fort is now in ruins mostly, but once it was considered a majestic property. Nonetheless, the history and heritage of the Korlai Fort still stands untarnished. In its golden era, the fort was rumoured to have the capacity to house nearly 7000 horses and just as many men. The fort enjoyed a strategic location during invasion primarily due to its geography.

There are many reasons why the enemy forces found it difficult to penetrate this fort - for one, it is located on the slopes of a hill which would require the enemy soldiers to climb a steep slope. Second, the fort houses a tall lighthouse which allowed the residents to see any enemies approaching. Lastly, it has 11, huge gates which were all heavily guarded. Spread over a length of 2828 feet and the breadth of 89 feet, the fort almost looks like a community of its own now, and offers some of the most magnificent glimpses of the creek. Whether you are a history nerd or simply appreciate nature in all its wild forms, Korlai Fort is definitely worth checking out.

Away from the hustle-bustle of city life resides a Shiroda beach occupied with a soothing atmosphere, an array of fun activities and tons of watersports, perfect for a weekend getaway trip. Found in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, this beach is a favorite among tourists for its long stretch of endless shore and sunny yet gentle aura.  

Water sports at the beach especially jet skiing, paragliding, having a joyous bath in the ocean and parasailing are very much relished by the tourists. Additionally, even at peak hours, the beach is thronged with just a few visitors making it perfect for travelers to enjoy a peaceful time and the mesmerizing sunset. Also, the beach is embedded with a sting of restaurants and shacks. They are particularly famous for their delicious dishes and alcoholic beverages and their close proximity to the beach also makes them a good place to relax and rejoice. 

Additionally, the beach is couple and family-friendly allowing them to enjoy a great time and indulge in various activities together.  All in all, if you are a backpacker or a family holiday maker looking for a reason to get away from the daily tiresome life, Shiroda Beach is the location for you.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Sanguem district of Goa, about 70 km away from the main city. It covers a total area of 240 square kilometers, out of which 170 square kilometers is dedicated to the Mollem National Park built at the core of the sanctuary. Located in the Western Ghats, this green zone constitutes of moist deciduous and tropical evergreen forests that create a nurturing habitat for various endangered species of flora and fauna. In fact, the tallest waterfalls called the Dudhsagar waterfall, elevated at a height of 107 feet lie within the sanctuary and attract many avian fauna that sustain off water.

This isn’t only a haven for endangered plant and animal species but also butterflies, reptiles and plants .The sanctuary shares its eastern borders with Karnataka and inhabits various varieties of flora and fauna, including carnivores like tigers, black panthers, and leopards. Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Panjim Belgaum Road, and so it is not uncommon for travelers to encounter animals en route Panjim. They may come across elephants, gaurs, deer, or leopards. It is advisable to drive at a minimum speed on this road.

Within the sanctuary, there aren’t only safaris that help you wander, but also in-built trekking and hiking trails with guides having an in-depth knowledge of the terrain, animals, and plants residing in each area.

History of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary resides in South Goa and was built to protect the enriched wildlife around the Western Ghats. Earlier, it was referred to as the Mollem Game Sanctuary but got its title of being a wildlife sanctuary by the authorities in Goa in the year 1969. It was renamed to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the same year.

The sanctuary covers a sprawling area of 240 square kilometers. However, the core of the sanctuary where a rich diversity of flora and fauna was declared a national park in the year 1978. The area comprises a total of 107 square kilometers of the entire sanctuary and is popularly known as the Mollem National Park. Now, it attracts several tourists due to its safari expeditions.

Flora and Fauna at Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

The biodiversity of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers a massive land with exotic and authentic flora and fauna residing in it. Here is a detailed description of the species that you can encounter during your safari sojourn:

Flora

The forests here are surrounded by the pristine vegetative trees of West Coast tropical evergreen forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests, and deciduous forests. The primary species of flora found here are Dalbergia (timber trees), Terminalia Xylia and Lagerstroemia (crepe myrtle). There are over 128 plant species and 722 flower species blooming within the periphery of the sanctuary.

Fauna

One can easily spot various animals like sambar, deer, hog, spotted deer, barking deer, and mouse deer. The carnivores inhabiting these forests include tigers, panthers, leopard cats, jungle cats, and toddy cats.

One of the most popular casino hotels in India, Deltin Jaqk is a gamers’ paradise. Sprawling across an area of more than 12,000 square feet, this luxurious place is set amidst the serenity of Panjim, Goa.  The 5-star hotel attracts amateur as well as professional casino players from all over the world to try their hand at the jackpot. The Deltin Jaqk casino encompasses unique and exclusive stay and play packages for all its customers.

If you are a beginner, there is a special learning table for you to understand the play before you step into the real game. As for our experts, they can choose from numerous play options, such as, American Roulette, Indian Flush, Slot Machines, Baccarat, 5 Card Poker, and Casino War. There are 50 tables and 30 slot machines that are distributed in three gaming floors. The casino also offers unlimited buffets and drinks in-between the plays. Apart from the casino, this place also provides an opulent stay in one of its exceptional suites. The 286 square meter rooms are enriched with a warm decor style featuring hues of yellow and brown. 

Additionally, the rooms also have a private bathroom, a courtyard, and a swimming pool. There are numerous other world-class services rendered by this beautiful hotel. From bar-hopping, having a fine-dine experience at the hotel’s restaurant, walk near the Candolim Beach, and breathtaking entertainment, including, live performances and dance shows, this mesmerizing hotel is an absolute dream. But all this aside, the best part of the hotel is the beautiful casino. Whether you are just starting out, or a professional player, we highly recommend checking out this space for an unforgettable, unparalleled experience.