Situated in the southeastern part of Goa, the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful sanctuary housing diverse flora and fauna. It is part of the Western Ghats and is also home to Netravali, a tributary of the Zuari River. It is known for its dense vegetation as well as wildlife such as Indian bison, black cloth bears, Malayan night herons, rufous babblers, butterflies and more. Another popular attraction here is the cascading waterfalls one can see throughout the year. The sanctuary is an excellent place to visit with family.
The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary At A Glance
The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the 6 sanctuaries in Goa and one of the country’s most important ones. It is located in Verlem which falls within the Sanguem Taluka region in the south-eastern part of the state. Spanning over an area of about 211 square km, the sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats and also houses Netravali or Natural which is a tributary of the river Zuari. It is also situated next to Karnataka’s Anshi Tiger Reserve and is home to a large variety of animals, birds, insects as well as plants and trees. The sanctuary is covered with lush green deciduous vegetation and is known for species of fauna such as Nilgiri wood pigeons, four-horned antelopes, leopards, white-bellied blue flycatchers and grey-headed bulbuls, amongst others. You would also find a number of rare butterfly species here such as the black rajah, redspot duke, Malabar banded peacock and southern birdwing.
Within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary are hills, and perennial streams which ensure the survival of the wildlife here as well as two waterfalls – Saivri and Mainapi – that are there throughout the year too. Some of the hills or mountains inside the sanctuary hold religious significance to the locals and feature small shrines or temples. You can embark on short treks here.
Must Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Goa
5 Fun Things To Do In And Around The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Biswajit Majumdar for wikimedia commons
Here is a short list of things you should do when visiting Goa:
- No trip to Goa is complete without visiting its many beaches. The ones in North Goa, like Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Morjim Beach and Anjuna Beach, are known to be more vibrant. On the other hand, the ones in South Goa, like Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor Beach and Varca Beach, are more serene.
- Goa is an excellent place to try out some water sports. Besides swimming in the sea, you can engage in various exciting water activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving, banana boat riding, snorkelling, and whitewater rafting. Some of these are even suitable for children!
- A fan of the movie Dil Chahta Hai? Don’t forget to visit Chapora Fort. Builtin the early 18th century by the Portuguese in order to defend themselves against the Marathas, it offers marvellous views of Vagator Beach. It is currently in ruins but if you can manage to make the steep climb to its top, especially in the evening, you would be met with stellar views of the sunset.
- The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of Goa’s most renowned sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in 1594 by the Portuguese. Its splendid Baroque style of architecture is worth seeing. The basilica is situated in Old Goa and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier who co-founded the Society of Jesus.
- If you have always wanted to go to a casino, Goa is the perfect place. Since the state is one of very few in the country where gambling is legal, it has many casinos. Mostly found on boats, these casinos are known for activities like Rummy, Flash Roulette, Black Jack and Stud Poker. You would also be treated to some yummy drinks and snacks while you play!
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Timings And Entry Fee
The Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is open every day from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, but keep in mind that the latest that you can enter the sanctuary is 3:00 PM, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
The best time to visit is during the winter, between October and March when you can see some of its rare flora and fauna. Getting here early in the morning is usually considered the best idea because it gives you ample time to explore the entire sanctuary. Regarding the entry fee for Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, the tickets usually cost INR 20, but the price might vary depending on your age and nationality.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Colva Beach
How To Reach
Goa is a reasonably accessible destination, no matter which part of the country you are coming from. There are two international airports here, Dabolim Airport near South Goa and Manohar International Airport near North Goa; these are well connected to most cities in India and several international cities, including London and Dubai.
You also have the option to drive to Goa if you live in a neighbouring state like Maharashtra or Karnataka. However, if you do not wish to drive all the way here, you can always opt for a bus since there are frequent overnight buses that run between Goa and these two states. Lastly, you can also choose the train. Goa has two railway stations – Margao and Vasco-da-Gama. Both of these are situated in South Goa and have trains coming in from many parts of India on a regular basis.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Goa
If you plan on taking a trip to Goa, it is best to book your holiday for the winter, which is also the peak tourist season here. The months from October to March bring about cool weather which is perfect for sightseeing and other outdoor activities. The monsoon months from June to September are also known for their somewhat pleasant weather but since it often rains during this time, your sightseeing plans might occasionally be derailed. Moreover, due to strong currents, swimming at the beaches might become slightly difficult or even dangerous during the monsoon season.
Summertime is usually seen as the least pleasant time to visit Goa given that the temperatures rise over 35 degrees Celsius. The hot weather mixed with the high humidity is not very conducive for outdoor excursions. However, if you do visit between March and May, don’t forget to pack enough sun protection!
Further Read: Budget Resorts In Goa
When visiting Goa, many overlook the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and prefer to visit its beaches and other tourist attractions. However, it is a wonderful place to explore, especially if you are a nature lover since it is synonymous with rich biodiversity and abundant natural beauty. There are countless amazing things to see in the state so when you book your trip to Goa , make sure to plan your itinerary in such a way that you are able to experience the best of what it has to offer and don’t miss out on its hidden gems!
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Cover Image Credit: Rohanguj2 for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Which part of Goa is more suitable for a quiet holiday?
South Goa is generally seen as the ideal choice for those looking for a serene and calm environment. Although there are plenty of beaches here along with numerous tourist attractions, it is not as happening as North Goa and therefore guarantees you a relaxed time. North Goa is more famous for its vibrant nightlife and bustling atmosphere.
Is it worth attending the Carnaval festival?
Yes, it is absolutely worth attending. Reminiscent of the state's colonial past dating back to the Portuguese, the Carnaval features colourful parades led by the figure of the mythical King Momo. There are dances and music performances as well as people dressed in different costumes.
How far is Goa from Mumbai?
Goa is approximately 600 km away from Mumbai; it takes about 11 and a half hours to cover this distance by road.
Which is the biggest beach in Goa?
Calangute Beach, also known as the “Queen of Beaches,” is the largest beach in the state. Don’t forget to visit this place on your trip to Goa.
Is entry to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa free?
Yes, you can enter this basilica free of cost. Since this is a religious monument, there are no entry charges for Indians or foreigners.
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