Nestled along the Western Ghats in the north-eastern region of Goa, bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka, Mhadei Tiger Reserve is an important home to the Indian gaur, the state animal of the Goa and the magnificent Bengal Tigers. The Mhadei River, also referred to as Mandovi River, flows for about 10 km through the reserve.

Notifications: Wildlife Sanctuary: 1999; Tiger Reserve: July 2011

Flora
Trees: shidam, euphorbia tirucalli (pencil tree), etc.
Creepers: Ashoka, garkani, kegadi, etc.
Edible mushrooms: roen alami, sonyali, khutyali and shringar.

Fauna
Indian pangolin, leopard, black Panther, Indian hare, dhole, wild boar, barking deer, bonnet macque, flying squirrel, slender loris, Black Slender Coral Snake, Russell’s viper and many more. According to the latest tiger count report there are about 52 tigers in Mhadei Tiger Reserve.

Avian Fauna
Malabar Grey Hornbill, Crimson backed sunbird, Rufous Babbler, white bellied blue flycatcher, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, etc.

Getting there
The capital city of Goa – Panaji, is about 52 km away from Mhadei reserve. Kadamba, Goa, is the closest bus terminal. Dabolim in Goa (approximately 29 km) is the nearby international airport. Margao (or Vasco-Da-Gama) station is the closest railway station to the reserve.

Tourist information
Visitors can avail accommodation at the Forest Department rest houses situated at Valpoi and Keri.
The Varza Sakla Waterfalls, Virdi Falls, Mollem National Park, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the must-see tourist spots in and around the reserve area. Trekking is allowed in certain trails.

Additional information
Mhadei Tiger Reserve, Sattari Taluka, North Goa District, Goa.
Area: about 208.48 sq km; Altitude: 2,600 ft above sea level Average temperature: summer 28.2°C & winter 23.3°C
Ideal time to visit: November and March (subject to change)

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