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.
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 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.
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.
India
15.3670°, 74.2330°
1978
240
Bhagwan Mahavir National Park is located in the Western Ghats of Goa. The park features tropical evergreen forests and is home to various species of snakes, birds, and butterflies. It contains the famous Dudhsagar Falls and ancient temples.