‘Mollem National Park’- the name sounds unfamiliar. Right? But, it belongs to a world-famous city Goa, the crown of India tourism. As we read the word Goa, our mind is buzzed with the pristine beaches and the electrifying nightlife of Goa. But the beauty of Goa is beyond than that. It is a city where no matter, how many times you go there is always something new to experience. So, today let’s explore the plush wildlife of Goa that is embraced in the Mollem National Park.
Table of Contents
Mollem National Park – The Unrevealed Facet of Goa
Mollem National Park Map
Location
Perched in the Western Ghat of South India, Mollem National Park is exactly located in Sanguem Taluk in Goa allocating the Eastern border with Karnataka. With an area of 240 kilometers, the park is situated adjacent Mollem village that’s why it is called Mollem National Park. Geographically, the region is divided into two parts by the National Highway 4A and the Mormugao-Londa Railway line also passes through the dense forests of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.
Earlier, this region was mere a Game Sanctuary. In 1969, it was converted into Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. Later in 1978, it also got the national park status and became the only National Park of Goa.
History and significance of Mollem National Park
Unlike other National Parks like Gir forest national park, Mollem National Park doesn’t have any royal and prominent history. The park is graced with many magnificent temples which date back the period of Kadamba Dynasty. Means, this region was a protected area since the realm of the Kadamba Dynasty. But, this surreal region of Goa, known as Mollem Game Sanctuary, grabbed the attention of Government in 1969.
Instantaneously, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary and renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary. By 1978, it had stolen the heart of Indian Government and made its name in National Park’s list in the same year. Since then, the entire region is called Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.
Timings and other visiting information of Mollem National Park
Best time to visit
Though the park is open throughout the year, the best time to explore the wildlife of Goa is between the months of November to March. If possible, don’t visit in the summer season because Goa is a sandy region. Due to the scorching climate, the wildlife beauty of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary remains almost drab in summers.
Timings to visit
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on all days.
Entry Fees
The management of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is not biased to any particular race. Here, the fee charges for Indians as well as for the foreigners are the same. Below have a look at the list of fees.
- 20 per person
- 5 per child
- 30 for Still Camera
- 150 for Video Camera
- 40 for Two Wheelers
- 120 for Car Riding
- 250 for Vans
Must-try activities at Mollem National Park
- Wildlife Safari
- Trekking Trails
How to reach Mollem National Park
Getting to Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary is as easy as planning a trip to Goa itself. Means, you can get there anytime from the early morning to the late night at your ease. Dabolim Airport is the nearest airport which is about 80 Kilometers away from the park. If you’re going by rail, Kulem Railway Station or Colem Railway Station is the closest railhead, just at the distance of 6 Kilometers from the park.
The park lies 57 Kilometers from the Panaji, the state capital of Goa. So, it is well connected to every corner of Goa. Innumerable government and privately operated vehicles keep shuttling to the Mollem National Park at frequent intervals. The Mollem National Park also gives you the privilege to explore the park by your own vehicle.
Places of interest in Mollem National Park
When you’re in a city like Goa, how could you run out of interesting things to do? No matter, which corner, which place of the city you talk about, the list of ‘special attractions’ goes endless. So, let’s get into the list of special attractions in Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary, a major tourist destination in Goa.
Here, Jungle Safari and trekking trails are the activities you can’t afford to miss out. Other than this, Mollem National Park has a lot more to offer you. Keep your camera handy and start exploring!
Tambdi Surla Mandir or Mahadeva Temple
The Tambdi Surla Mandir is the oldest and only temple of Goa which had survived the invasion of Portuguese. Being the optimum blend of Kadamba and Yadava style of architecture, this temple relates the time period of the 12th century.
Tambdi Surla Mandir is not very big but the significance, the lotus carvings, and architecture of this temple are truly inimitable. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is always thronged by the devotees.
Tambdi Waterfall
After visiting the Tambdi Surla Mandir, don’t make your way to back, move ahead 2 km, instead. If you’re an adventurous person and love adventure activities, you would love to visit Tambdi Waterfall because trekking is the only mean to get there. Located amidst the rock-strewn mountains enclosed by the dense forest, Tambdi Waterfall is the hidden gem of this National Park.
Dudhsagar Falls
Yet another waterfall inside this National Park. Mollem to Dudhsagar falls is around 15 to 16 kilometers. This is the best thing you can see in Mollem National Park or maybe in entire Goa. To get a glimpse of the heart of Mollem National Park, you have to do the trekking of 10 kilometers. A private day trip to Dudhsagar falls includes a jeep drive through Mollem National Park.
Dudhsagar means ‘the origin of milk’ and it literally justifies its name. This awe-inspiring natural wonder has a white milky appearance. Originating from Mandovi River, Dudhsagar waterfall is the highest fall of Goa and fifth-highest of the country. This roaring and unequaled Dudhsagar Fall has been shown in the movie ‘Chennai Express’
Devils Canyon
You must have tired after doing a 10 kilometers rocky trail, so just sit down in front of the Devil Canyon and relish the natural beauty at its best. The tranquility of this place is bound to rejuvenate your mind, spirit, and body. Actually, Devils Canyon is carved out of solid rocks by the turbulence downstream of Dudhsagar Fall. This place holds some mythological significance too.
Sunset Point
With the name, you must have got an idea about this place. If you want to capture the gist of Mollem National Park in a single view, spend some time in Sunset Point. From here, as far as your eyesight reaches, there is only and only the beautiful panorama of the park.
From the sky-touching trees to the enticing grasslands, eye-popping natural beauty, historical temples and the dense forests, everything can be seen all together.
Flora
Driving through the dense forest of Mollem National Park and catching the glimpse of unique and luxuriant flora is truly a visual treat to the eyes. Here, the beauty of flora is so mystique that you will forget you’re in the vibrant city Goa. Mollem National Park is heavily arboreal and comprises of three types of vegetation – West Coast evergreen tropical forests, West Coast semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous woodlands.
The forests are so thick that even the sunlight can’t pass through them. Mollem National Park is bestowed with a plethora of floral diversity including 722 species of flowers and 128 species of plants. The endemic plants and trees like Terminalia and Xylia seal the beauty of this place. The floral diversity of Mollem National Park truly unfolds a totally different facet of Goa.
Fauna
The wildlife of Mollem National Park is as rich as the nightlife of Goa. The Jungle Safari through the dense and dark forest of Mollem National Park offers a pleasant view of huge spiders, colorful butterflies, the herd of bison, and giant animal at the closest proximity.
The impenetrable forests of Mollem National Park are the abode to the myriad of animals, reptiles, and birds. Indian Civet Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Panther, Leopard Cat, Tiger, Flying Fox, Giant Squirrel, Sambar, Hog, Barking Deer, and Jackal are the most common animals of this park among others.
Mollem National Park is a dreamland for bird lovers. Around 120 species of birds and many other species of butterflies grace the park with their fleeting flashes of colors. Ruby-throated Yellow Bulbul, the state bird of Goa, is the most sighted bird in Mollem National Park. Other than mammals and birds, the park is also a famous habitat for countless species of reptiles including King Cobra.
Nearby Attractions
- Nature Interpretation Centre
- Ghat Road
- Bolcornem Nursery
- Bhandaras and Mineral Water Spring
You can book online some popular activities in Goa. Plenty of activities can be planned in Goa around food, culture, adventure, history etc. Book online tours in Goa and experience Goa at ease!
Hotels in and around Mollem National Park
After reading this Mollem National Park travel blog, are you planning a trip to Goa or a want to go on a holiday in Goa? You can book flights to Goa and book your hotels right here. You can book Goa hotels or Goa luxury resorts through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Booking.com and save big.
When you’re in Goa, you need not have to worry about the accommodation or booking Goa Hotels And Goa Resorts. Doing so would actually be an affront to this flamboyant city. In the vicinity of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, there are many luxurious hotels, resorts, and common living standard lodges. Below take a look at the most suitable stay possibilities nearby Bhagwan Mahavir Mollem Sanctuary.
- Dudhsagar Resort
- Arco Iris Boutique Homestay
- Sterling Goa- Varca
- Shanti Resort
- Royal Resort Orchid Galaxy
- OYO Home
- Beach-facing cottages
If you want to surrender yourself completely in the lap of nature, this National Park will make your this dream come true. It gives the visitors full freedom to stay in outdoor tents and the management even assists in setting up the camp.
Have you been to Goa? If yes, have you visited Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary? If not, we are sure after reading this Mollem National Park blog, you want to explore it. So what are you waiting for? Adventure awaits you at Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary!
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So tropical guys. I only think of the beach whenever I ponder Goa. But I see the place has jungles, parks and much else to offer. No longer just a Hippie Haven in my eyes.
Every time I visited Goa, wanted to head to this National Park. Hope to make it next time definitely. Seems like there is quite a lot to explore. Only been to Tambdi Surla temple.