Where To See Wildlife in Goa

As the state’s only bird sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island is one of the most popular spots for birdwatching in Goa. This small reserve of protected mangroves attracts loads of migratory and native birds, from black drongos to coots. While avian species take centerstage here, you may also see jackals, flying foxes, and even crocodiles if you visit the sanctuary on an island tour. There's also a watchtower that's ideal if you want to catch birds in flight.

Situated in the Mandovi River, a short boat ride from Panaji (Panjim), Divar Island was one of the earliest Portuguese settlements in the state, with architecture and history to match. Many people visit the island to tour its churches and temples and ride bikes away from the crowds of the beach towns. It’s also a prime Goa ecotourism spot to view birds, so bring your binoculars and expect to see a wide assortment of waterfowl.

While the South Indian state of Kerala is the part of India that's best known for its backwaters, Goa has a lesser-known network of marshy backwaters all its own: the Sal Backwaters. This quiet stretch is characterized by mangroves and tall grassy marshes peppered with colorful lotus flowers, creating an ideal habitat for all sorts of avian species, from kingfishers to cormorants. Visit on a guided kayaking tour for the best views.

Brave travelers take note: You can go crocodile-watching in Goa, more specifically, in the Cambarjua Canal, located where the Madovi and Zuari rivers meet. The canal's shallow waters are a habitat for the mugger crocodile (sometimes called a marsh crocodile), which is a protected species. Out of respect for this ancient reptile (and for your own safety), visit the canal on a tour. Consider a guided Goa wildlife tour that includes lunch and a spice plantation visit to make the most of your day.

Covering an expanse of around 93 square miles (240 square kilometers), Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest of Goa’s protected wildlife sanctuaries. Creatures to look for here include Malayan giant squirrels, sambar deer, slender tories, gaur (Indian bison), and even the occasional leopard. Mollem National Park sits entirely within the sanctuary, and it’s this part of the expanse that gets the most visitors. Most visitors come to the park to see Dudhsagar Falls, a massive waterfall that’s crossed by a railway bridge. Many tours to the park also stop at a spice plantation.

Bondla may be the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, but this compact inland spot has plenty to offer. It's a popular spot for strolls and picnics, with botanical gardens and formal gardens displaying a wide range of plants. There’s also a Deer Safari Park that's home to gaur and sambar deer, plus a small zoo.

Other creatures that make occasional appearances include porcupines, flying lizards (one of the most unique reptiles in Goa), and a variety of wild cats. The park is a short drive from Margao, and tours are available that combine a trip to Bondla with visits to temples, churches, and spice farms.

Located just outside of Ponda, in the inland part of the state, Mystic Woods by The Butterfly Conservatory Of Goa is the place to go if you want to see colorful butterflies in large numbers. This is the perfect place to work into your itinerary if your Goa visit coincides with butterfly season, which generally runs from September through December. Tours to the sanctuary make visiting a breeze and often include meals and round-trip transportation from Candolim.

While many of Goa's wildlife attractions are in the northern part of the state, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South Goa, near the border of Karnataka and not far from the laid-back beach city of Palolem. The forest here is dense, with massive deciduous trees that shade much of the forest floor from sunlight. This creates an ideal habitat for monkeys, who inhabit the woods here, along with gaurs, wild boars, and lots of birds. A watchtower offers views of a watering hole that draws in animals in large droves at dawn and dusk.

Stretching from the Mandovi River to the inland village of Marra, the Nerul River—sometimes called Spike’s River—is a convenient place to get on the water and spot some birds without having to stray far from the beach scene at Candolim. Kayaking trips are an easy way to experience the river and its offerings. These river trips typically cruise past towns, by historic buildings, and through peaceful stretches of nature that attract great numbers of birds, from kites to kingfishers.