Mollem National Park in Goa: From Dudhsagar Waterfalls to Rich Biodiversity, Know Why Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is Beautiful Nature's Bounty
A part of the Western Ghats, Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is home to not only several flora and fauna but also accommodates some of the best waterfalls in here. Let us understand in more detail about Mollem National Park and its importance to biodiversity.
The first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions of Goa is the beautiful beaches and relaxing in shacks by the shore. But other than having some of the most pristine beach sides, Goa also accommodates a rich biodiversity hub of the Mollem National Park. You may not have heard of it, until in the recent weeks because this forest that spreads across 240 square kilometres is a protected area. A part of the Western Ghats, Mollem National Park and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is home to not only several flora and fauna but also accommodates some of the best waterfalls in here. Let us understand in more detail about Mollem National Park and its importance to biodiversity. Goa Opens For Tourism After Months of Lockdown, Things and Guidelines You Should Know Before Taking 'The Goa Trip'.
Where is Mollem National Park?
Mollem National Park is located in Sanguem taluk in Goa close to the border with Karnataka. The area is situated near the town of Molem, 57 kilometres east of Panaji, the capital city. It was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary and renamed as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary when it was declared a wildlife region in 1969. The core area of this sanctuary cover over 107 sqkms. Goa: Activists, Politicians Block Track, Oppose Rail Expansion.
The Rich Flora and Fauna of Mollem
As a wildlife sanctuary it goes without saying that this area is home to several wild animals and a rich space for different plant varieties. Goa's state animal Indian Gaur and state bird flame-throated Yellow Bulbul are present in significant numbers here. It is also a home to several tigers, black leopards, boars, bisons, elephants, sambars and deer. Malabar giant squirrels, flying squirrels, civets, porcupine are among the other important mammals in here. Among these animals there are endangered species living here too, like the Indian pangolin. From Kabini Forest in Karnataka to Tadoba in Maharashtra, 5 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India to Spot the Elusive Black Panthers.
The plant diversity includes over 722 species of flowering plants! Many of these plants are endemic, which means there are not found anywhere else in the world other than the Western Ghats. There are some special plants with medicinal properties growing here.
With the plants and animals, there are over 200 species of birds, over a hundred kinds of butterflies, reptiles and other species living in here.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls and Other Attractions
One of the most famous tourist spots is the Dudhsagar waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in India! Literally called the Sea of Milk, it is a four-tiered waterfall with a height of 310 m and about 30m wide. It is one of the most incredible sights to behold in monsoons. Surrounded by the deciduous forests of Mollem, it is a top-spot for nature-based tourism in Goa.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Monsoons:
The other attractions here are Tambdi Surla temple, Sunset Point and Devil's Canyon. There are special jungle safaris available for tourists here along with nature trails and hike to the Dudhsagar falls. There are also some mineral water springs that you can enjoy.
So this one national park and sanctuary is an incredible source to biodiversity and needs to be protected. If you are a nature lover, then a visit to Mollem National Park is worth your time.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2020 06:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).