Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, encompassing Mollem National Park, protects a significant stretch of Western Ghats forest in Goa's interior, home to leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears and a wide range of birdlife. The sanctuary offers a striking contrast to Goa's coastal image, showcasing the dense, biodiverse forest that covers much of the state's inland terrain.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls sits within the sanctuary's boundaries, meaning a visit here often combines wildlife viewing with a trip to the falls, and several ancient temples scattered through the forest add a further layer of interest for visitors exploring beyond the animal-focused attractions. Guided nature walks and jeep safaris offer different ways to explore the terrain depending on time available and level of interest in wildlife specifically.

Named after Bhagwan Mahavir, the founder of Jainism, the sanctuary was established to protect one of Goa's most significant remaining stretches of Western Ghats forest, an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot that supports considerably more species diversity than the state's coastal areas.

About 60km from Panaji, roughly 1.5-2 hours by road.