Covering an area of about 240 sq km, Mollem National Park is located in Mollem, Goa, along the
eastern border with Karnataka. The park is nestled in the Western Ghats of South India, in Sanguem
taluk, Goa.
History of the park
Previously the park was known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was deemed a wildlife sanctuary in the
year 1969 and was then rechristened as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. In 1978 the core part of the
region (approximately 107 sq km) was declared a national park.
Fauna
Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Barking Deer, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Black
Panther, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, etc. are some of the important faunas of the park. The prominent
reptile species here are King Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Malabar Pit Viper, Indian Rock Viper, Bronze back
Tree Snake, Indian Cobra, etc. The park is home to different colourful butterfly species which include
common Jezebel, Blue Mormon, Common Mime, Plum Judy and many more.
Avian-fauna
Several colourful and rare birds such as Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey
Hornbill, Indian Black Woodpecker, Paradise Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, etc. are found here. The
Ruby-Throated Yellow Bulbul that is found here is the state bird of Goa.
Flora
Species of Beleric, Jamba, Banabá Plant and Dalbergia are prominent flora species of the park.
Getting there
Mollem National Park is located approximately 60 km away from Panaji. From Panaji visitors can avail
Kadamba transport Corporation to reach the park. The Dabolim airport (80 km away) is the closest
airport. The nearby railhead is in Collem, almost 5 km away. The region falls on the Mormugao-Londa
railway route.
Tourist tips
Accommodations are available in Mollem and Panaji. Dudhsagar Falls, Devil's Canyon, Tambdi Surla
Temple, Sunset Point and Tambdi Falls are some of the important tourist spots in and around the park.
Tourist information
Mollem National Park, NH 4A, Caranzol, GA, India.
Ideal time to visit: October to March; Entry timing: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fees applicable
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