VisitWestBengal.in

Stunning, green and luscious in all its beauty, Goa is India's pride and joy by no coincidence.  Attracting visitors from across the globe for centuries, this sandy beached, waterfall infested promise land with colonial houses and sprawling spice estates is also a haven for other species. Ideally located in Sanguem Taluk on the eastern border of the glistening state, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is one example. Spread out over 92 square miles, the reserve was formerly known as the Mollem Game Sanctuary. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969, the park is home to some of the finest flora, fauna and wildlife in the sandy shored state.

Vegetation categories the sanctuary lays claim to include are,  Moist Deciduous Forests, West Coast Semi - Evergreen Forests and West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests. Trekkers will have the opportunity to view such wilder beasts as  the Bengal tiger, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrels, slender Loris, bonnet macaque, civets and leopards in their natural habitat. Other highlights one is likely to spot include the Malabar giant squirrels, common langur, pangolin, flying squirrels and sambar among many others.

A haven for butterflies and other colourful insect life, the sanctuary houses some of the most  vibrant winged species such as Lime Butterfly, Blue Mormon, Crimson Rose, Southern Birdwing and Plain Tiger. Tailed Jay butterflies and the Plum Judy variety are also available as are Common Wanderer, Mime and Common Mormon species. The endemic varieties on offer include those belonging to the Tamil Yoeman and Malabar Tree Nymph species.

Bird watchers will also not be disappointed with the sanctuary's impressive collection of the winged wonders which include the Malabar grey hornbill, flycatcher, emerald Three-toed kingfisher and Golden oriole. The Greater Indian hornbill and the Fairy bluebird are also common sights in addition to the Ruby-throated yellow bulbul, Racket-tailed drongo, Indian black woodpecker, Grey-headed myna, Malabar pied hornbill and Shrikes.

Famed for its collection of snakes and other reptiles, the sanctuary is perhaps most renowned for its king cobra population. Other equally popular creepy crawlies include Russell's viper, the Indian rock python, hump-nosed pit viper, Bronzeback Tree Snake, the common krait, Malabar pit viper, cat snake, the Indian cobra and the rat snake.

Not just a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts the parkland also attracts inquisitive visitors due to the wide range of cultural highlights that dot its landscape. Situated 13km from Bolcornem village, the exquisite Tambdi Surla Temple is one such example. Built in the 12th century, this idyllic Shiva temple devoted to lord Mahadeva is frequented by pilgrims even today. With its intricate stone carvings, towering columns and basalt Nandi mandapa it is easy to understand why this hallowed locale is still considered sacred.

Sunset point is another must-see venue as it affords the best view of the sanctuary by far. For a pristine view of the park's enchanting setting filled with lush green treetops there's no better vantage point than at Sunset. Although the reserve has several picturesque waterways, rivers and reservoirs to its name, the most breathtaking of them all remains the Dudhsagar Falls. With a name literally meaning 'ocean of milk' the tallest fall in all of Goa is also the country's 5th tallest and the globe's 227th.

Although the state is home to several luxurious