Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary: Your Guide To Goa's Paradise

Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is dedicated to Dr. Salim Ali, an expert in Indian birds who spent his entire career studying them. The lake location is a renowned bird viewing site because to the Sanctuary. It’s one among India’s top spots for bird viewing because of its vast, thick mangrove forests and marshes. The sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species such as cormorants, kingfishers, herons, and egrets. Throughout the migration period from November to February, other species like Black Headed Ibis and Osprey sandpipers can also be spotted. One of the most beautiful and colourful birds in South Asia, the Indian pitta, is widely recognized as the sanctuary’s most prominent resident.

Table of Contents

Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary Location

Snapshot of the two grey Pelican sitting on the boundaries og the salim ali wildlife sanctuary

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Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on Chorao Island in the Mandovi River. It takes approximately fifteen minutes to reach the sanctuary via ferry from the Ribandar ferry terminal close to Panjim.

How To Reach Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary

Snapshot of a boat passing through the backwater amidst the lush green trees and forest area

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Passengers use road and air transport to reach here to enjoy their trip to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim International Airport, which provides connections to major cities. From there, you can book a private cab to reach the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, which is located 30 KM away.

By Train: The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is positioned 10 kilometers from the Karmali Railway station, which is the closest railway stop.

By Road: The Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand is just 4.8 kilometers from the Dr. Salim Bird Sanctuary.

Place To Visit In And Around Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary

There is a lot to places around Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary where tourists can go and enjoy.
enjoy

1. Coco Beach

Scenic image of the Coco Beach and its majestic waters all around it in Goa

Photo: Mrinmoy55 / Wikimedia Commons

Coco Beach, located at the mouth of Mandovi River in North Goa, India, serves as the starting point for various boat excursions and dolphin-watching tours. It is commonly known as the gateway to the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea. Unlike the bustling beaches of Baga or Calangute, Coco Beach provides a tranquil setting, making it an ideal spot to relax. While the waves can be a bit rough for swimming, the beach is perfect for sunbathing and admiring the stunning coastline.

Time: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free

2. Rivona Caves

Beautiful views from the inside of the Rivona Caves amidst the lush jungle of Goa

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The historic Rivona caves are Buddhist caverns that were built in the sixth century and are situated in the stunning South Goa region of India. These laterite-rock caves provide insightful information about the region’s spiritual and historical significance. A ‘Pitha,’ said to have served as a meditation area for Buddhist monks, is one of the cave’s attractions. The Rivona Caves offer a tranquil diversion from the bustling beaches and an insight into the austere lifestyle of the early monks while being less popular with tourists than other Goa tourist attractions.

Time: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: Free

3. Harvalem Waterfall

Snapshot of the water descending down to the pool in the lush desne forest of Goa

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The Harvalem Waterfall, located in North Goa, India, is a striking natural attraction away from the coastline. Surrounded by lush forest, the waterfall stands at approximately 50 meters tall, offering a serene and breathtaking spectacle. The area around the waterfall is rich in mythical and historical significance, hosting the Rudreshwar Temple and ancient rock-cut caverns believed to have been carved during the Bhoja dynasty, making it a significant location for archaeology enthusiasts. The cascading water forms a large pool at the base where visitors often picnic and swim. The falls are most impressive during the monsoon season due to the increased water flow.

Time: 8 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fee: Free

4. Snow Park Goa

Beautiful snapshot of the Snow Park goa which is produced artificially in ocntrolled environment

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Snow Park Goa is located in Baga Beach in North Goa. Snow Park Goa offers a unique sub-zero experience in the heart of Goa’s tropical atmosphere. It provides a welcome diversion from the state’s usual bright atmosphere. This indoor park, which is kept at a constant 5°C, offers a range of amusements connected to snow and ice for both children and adults. A genuine winter wonderland atmosphere is created for visitors by offering ice sculptures, sledging, snowball battles, and ice slides.

Time:11 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹495

5. Naval Aviation Museum

Picture of the beautiful trsaainer aircraft placed in the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa

Photo: Alec Wilson / Wikimedia Commons

The Naval Aviation Museum is situated in South Goa, India and serves as a military museum showcasing the evolution of the Indian Naval Air Arm and its involvement in combat missions over the years. Divided into two sections, the museum features an outdoor gallery displaying retired Indian Navy aircraft such as the anti-submarine aircraft, Sea Harrier, and Hughes helicopter. Within the indoor gallery, visitors can view photographs, uniforms, and various artefacts honouring the sacrifices and grandeur of naval aviation. Additionally, multimedia displays and educational signage provide an engaging and informative experience for guests.

Time: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹150

Where To Stay

Panoramic image of the beautiful luxury hotel in the scenic setting of lush green Goa

Photo: Braas Monier Building Group / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many hotels to stay in near Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary. You can choose from great properties like Hotel Shaurya, The Menino Regency, Hotel Rajdhani and more. They provide comfort and convenience and you can opt for facilities like breakfast and parking. It is advised to pre- book the rooms, especially during peak season, to avoid any last-minute appointments.

Where To Eat

Beautiful image of a restaurant and its beautiful setting in the idyllic Goa

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There are places to eat at nearby locations like The Black Sheep Bistro, Ritz Classic Panjim, Viva Panjim, Kokni Kanteen Goa, Gene’s – Restaurant by the Riverside, DESBUE – European Fusion, Sher-E-Punjab, Tataki – Immersive Asian Dining, Cafe Tato Panjim and more. Tourists can satisfy their taste while exploring this fascinating place.

Best Time To Visit

Snapshot from the wildlife sanctuary where a lion is resting in its natural habitat in Jungle

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Mornings are best for the most exciting bird watching. On the nearby Mandovi River, you may take pleasure in a riverboat excursion. Since migrating birds fly great distances to spend many months at the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, winter is the best time of year to come. The months of October through March see the most visits to the refuge. Moreover, early in the morning is the ideal time of day to see animals.

Other Factors To Consider

Snapshot of the beautiful parrots sitting in the lush forest of salim ali wildlife sanctuary

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost Of Trip

The boat may be rented for INR 750 for up to 10 people, or INR 75 per person for a larger party of 10. Each individual must pay INR 10 for entry, and each camera must pay INR 25. There is a 150 INR fee for each video camera.

Tips For Traveller

Don’t forget to bring a camera and binoculars so you can get a close-up view of the magnificent birds and take some photographs.
Make sure to choose strong boats and comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking along paths.
The best times to visit when bird activity is highest are early morning or late afternoon.

A magnificent assemblage of avian marvels, the Dr. Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa showcases the extraordinary variety that India has to offer. This sanctuary is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and an example of the need for conservation with its pristine wetlands, lush mangroves, and a wide range of bird species. Through our discovery and appreciation of this sanctuary, we are helping to preserve it so that future generations can continue to marvel at the splendour of the bird kingdom in this idyllic seaside setting. Plan your trip with TripXL and be sure to have a memorable experience.

Cover Photo: Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Which species is Salim Ali National Park protecting?

Hangul, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, Himalayan serow and 70 species of birds, including the paradise flycatcher, Himalayan monal, and Himalayan snowcock.

What kinds of animals and plants may be seen in Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary?

little bittern, black bittern, red knot, jack snipe and pied avocet mudskippers, fiddler crabs and other mangrove habitat specialists.

When was Salim Ali National Park established?

This sanctuary, also known as City Forest National Park, was established in 1986.

Which river passes through the national park of Salim Ali?

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary can be found on the western edge of Chorao Island, situated along the Mandovi River in Goa.

What role does the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary play?

Within the sanctuary's well-equipped Nature Research Centre, which is open to the public, visitors and residents may learn more about the varied animal and bird species found on the mudflats, which are surrounded by the special and fragile ecology created by the mangroves.

Guided tours in the sanctuary - are they a possibility?

Guided tours are indeed available and are highly recommended for enriching your bird-watching experience and learning more about the sanctuary's plant and animal life.

Salim Ali Wildlife Sanctuary: Explore Goa’s Natural