When people think of Goa, they usually refer to sun-kissed beaches, vibrant nightlife and immersive parties. Are you also thinking the same? Well, you are wrong, this tropical heaven is more magical than a beach paradise.

For nature lovers, the journey through the forests in Goa is more than heaven. Explore the green side of magical escape into the lush Western Ghats by including wildlife sanctuaries, cascading waterfalls, spice plantations and tranquil backwaters to your travel itinerary. 

Well, you don’t need to worry about your journey, just continue to read this guide till the end to know more about the green side of Goa. Are you ready? Let’s commence

Explore the forests of Goa For Nature Lovers

Goa has a number of rich forest reserves that make up close to a third of its entire land. Interestingly, these forests come under the biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats, as declared by UNESCO. Let’s explore the list of forests and sanctuaries for a nature-based journey. 

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

Have you ever visited a rain forests in Goa yet? Don’t worry, the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is waiting to be explored; it is a pure rainforest bliss located in South Goa. The sanctuary is covered in dense vegetation, and it is home to a variety of species. To fully explore the charm of the region, it is advised to make your visit during the monsoon season. Lastly, don’t miss out on visiting the show-stealer of the sanctuary, Mainapi Waterfall.

• Location: Unnamed Road, Neturlim, Netravli, Goa 

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in North Goa is a biodiversity hotspot that features wildlife species like tigers, leopards, pangolins and hundreds of birds and butterflies. This sanctuary is like nature’s own playground. Furthermore, the Mhadei River flows through the forests, and individuals can easily go for a light hike and picnics. Also, if you are lucky, you may see a black panther that reportedly roams here. 

• Location: Western Ghats near the town of Valpoi, North Goa District, Goa

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Do you know that Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest protected forest areas in Goa? It is many adventurers’ dream destination, where it also houses the epic Dudhsagar Falls and the Tambdi Surla Temple. In addition to that, it is one of the famous temples in Goa, and every spiritual individual must visit it once. A journey to this sanctuary is going to be everyone’s best choice, as there are lots of opportunities to indulge. Isn’t it? Well, it is also a great spot for jeep safaris, birdwatching and long nature walks. 

• Location: Sanguem district of Goa

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Are you searching for a peaceful sanctuary? If yes, then feel free to visit the most tranquil Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in South Goa. It is renowned for its tall trees, skywalk-style watchtower and more. Compared to other sanctuaries is the quietest, ideal for slow travel and relaxation. Moreover, be prepared to spot langurs, flying squirrels, sloth bear and more. However, early morning and evenings are the best times to explore wildlife, so decide to visit accordingly. 

• Location: Canacona Taluka, Khotigao, Goa

Chorla Ghats

Chorla Ghats is also a heaven for one who wants to enjoy the pleasant weather and mountain meandering tracks. It is located on the Goa-Karnataka-Maharastra border line, an ideal place for a mini forest vacation with your family and friends. Furthermore, night treks and eco-tourism lodges are also popular in the area. Undoubtedly, it is truly a great place to explore the green side of Goa. 

• Location: Tri-junction border of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra, northeast of Panaji, Western Ghats (Sahyadri Range) 

Activities for Nature Lovers in Goa’s Forests

After knowing about interesting sanctuaries in Goa, it’s time to note what are those activities to enjoy for nature lovers. Are you excited? Let’s get to it!

• Forest Tours and Trekking: Individuals can go for trekking, as there are several popular trails in Netravali and Mhadei, which accommodate a level of difficulty to add thrill and excitement to your journey. 
• Birdwatching: Goa is a bird lover’s paradise showcases more than 400 species of birds. However, early morning or late evenings are the best times to capture the beauty of such flying birds. Furthermore, be patient to observe a diverse range of species like kingfishers, woodpeckers, eagles, and more. 
• Waterfall Treks: Travellers can go for short trekking to reach the cascading waterfalls and explore the beauty of such wonders from a certain height. However, it is the way to admire nature’s magic. 
• Foraging and Forest Walks: Several eco-resorts and NGO’s in Goa allow people to take a forage walk and learn more about the edible plants, herbs, mushrooms, etc that are found around the village. Choose guided tours to understand more about the locals and their lives in nature. 
• Night Walks: Take advantage of night walks after sunset to see something magical, as there are several insects or creatures that glow in the dark jungle. Choose a guided night walking tour in Goa as it is the way to introduce yourself to the bioluminescent fungi, glowing insects and more. 

In A Nutshell

That’s all in today’s blog!

After reading this interesting guide about the green side of Goa, it is obvious to be excited about your trip. Don’t you? Well, that’s great, you have made the right choice. Go for a forest journey as it is the way to forget all your worries. Explore beautiful sanctuaries, capture the scenic views, encounter diverse species of birds and admire the true side of nature. 

After forest exploration, you will need a comfortable room to rest, right? That’s why you should book your stay in advance. Furthermore, it is recommended to choose White Flower Cottages, as it is one of the best resorts in Goa near Vagator Beach, which provides a peaceful and comfortable setting to relax and rejuvenate.

So, what’s taking so long to make a decision about your visit to the most anticipated forest exploration tour in Goa? Time to go!

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