Bhagwan Mahavir

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park together protect 240 square kilometers of pristine Western Ghats forest in Goa, harboring the state's most significant wilderness area and serving as a biodiversity corridor connecting Karnataka and Maharashtra protected areas. The sanctuary encompasses diverse forest types from moist deciduous to semi-evergreen, supporting healthy populations of Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and gaur (Indian bison) despite Goa's small size and high human population density. The dramatic Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls at 310 meters, plunges through dense forest within park boundaries, creating a spectacular natural landmark. Ancient laterite caves and temple sites scattered through the forest testify to centuries of human interaction with this landscape, now managed primarily for conservation. Established in 1967 as a sanctuary and upgraded with national park status for core areas in 1978, this protected area represents Goa's commitment to preserving biodiversity amid tourism development and mining pressures.

The park harbors a rich diversity of wildlife including Bengal tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears, and various deer species. It is home to over 200 bird species, including the Malabar pied hornbill and great Indian hornbill. Notable reptiles include king cobras and monitor lizards. The park also supports numerous butterfly species and is particularly known for its population of black panthers.

The park supports diverse vegetation types including moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and tropical evergreen forests. Notable species include teak, rosewood, jamun, and bamboo varieties. The forest canopy reaches heights of 30-40 meters, with a rich understory of medicinal plants and rare orchids. Over 722 plant species have been documented, including several endemic to the Western Ghats.

The park is situated in the Western Ghats, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, characterized by ancient metamorphic rock formations. The terrain features steep slopes, deep valleys, and numerous streams flowing through laterite and granite formations. The elevation ranges from 200 to 900 meters above sea level, creating diverse microclimates and habitats. The Dudhsagar Falls, dropping 310 meters in four tiers, showcases the dramatic geological features of the region.

Bhagwan Mahavir National Park experiences a tropical monsoon climate typical of the Western Ghats region. Summers (March-May) are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C, while winters (December-February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures around 20°C. The park receives heavy rainfall during the southwest monsoon from June to September, averaging 2500-3000mm annually. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is most comfortable for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

Established in 1967 as Mollem National Park and renamed in 1978 to honor Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, this protected area has a rich cultural heritage. The park encompasses ancient trade routes and contains ruins of temples dating back to the Kadamba Dynasty (10th-14th centuries). It played a strategic role during Portuguese colonial rule and features historical structures like the Tambdi Surla Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Goa dating to the 12th century.

The forests now protected as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary remained relatively undisturbed through centuries of Portuguese colonial rule, with difficult terrain and malaria limiting extensive settlement. The sanctuary was established in 1967 as Goa transitioned from Portuguese to Indian administration, with the 107-square-kilometer Mollem core area granted national park status in 1978 for enhanced protection. The name honors Mahavira, the founder of Jainism, reflecting Goa's religious diversity and Jain principles of non-violence toward all living beings. Mining pressures intensified from the 1970s-2000s, with iron ore extraction in surrounding areas creating conflicts between conservation and economic development interests. The 2012 mining ban in Goa relieved immediate pressures on the park, though recent attempts to resume operations have renewed conservation concerns. Infrastructure development, particularly highway widening and railway expansion through park areas, has emerged as a major threat, with controversial projects approved despite environmental concerns raising questions about long-term protection.

The park's crown jewel is the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls, one of India's tallest waterfalls. The 12th-century Tambdi Surla Temple, built from basalt in Jain architectural style, is another significant attraction. The park features extensive hiking trails, including the popular Devil's Canyon trail, and offers opportunities for wildlife photography and bird watching. The Mollem Interpretation Centre provides valuable information about the park's biodiversity and conservation efforts.

The park is located about 60 kilometers from Panaji, Goa's capital, accessible via the NH4A highway that unfortunately bisects the protected area while providing convenient visitor access. The main entry point at Mollem village offers basic facilities including a small interpretation center and arrangements for guided treks to Dudhsagar Falls and other destinations. Accommodation options include basic forest department rest houses that must be booked in advance, along with numerous hotels and resorts in nearby Mollem, Collem, and Kulem villages catering to tourists. The trek to Dudhsagar Falls from Collem railway station is popular, though access restrictions apply during monsoon season (June-September) when swollen rivers make approaches dangerous. Wildlife viewing opportunities are limited compared to drier Indian parks, with dense vegetation and shy animals making sightings challenging, though birdwatching is rewarding year-round. The park can be visited throughout the year, with the post-monsoon period (October-December) offering lush green landscapes and flowing waterfalls, while summer months (March-May) provide better (though still limited) wildlife viewing opportunities.

Tiger conservation focuses on maintaining habitat connectivity with Karnataka's protected areas, essential for the genetic health of small populations that rely on movement between reserves. Elephant corridor protection has become critical as infrastructure development threatens to sever migration routes, with conservation groups advocating for wildlife crossings and development alternatives. The ongoing battle against infrastructure projects cutting through the park, including railway doubling and highway expansion, represents the frontline of conservation advocacy in Goa. Mining buffer zone enforcement seeks to prevent activity creep toward park boundaries, with constant vigilance needed to maintain the protections established during the mining ban period. Community engagement initiatives work with tribal villages inside and around the park, addressing human-wildlife conflict while developing sustainable livelihood alternatives that reduce resource pressure. Research programs conducted in collaboration with universities monitor biodiversity trends and assess impacts from edge effects, fragmentation, and climate change on this relatively small protected area.