Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park Goa: Dudhsagar Falls, Trekking & Visitor Guide
Sprawling across 240 square kilometers along the eastern border of Goa in Dharbandora Taluka, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park form Goa’s largest protected natural reserve. Encompassing dense evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests along the Western Ghats, this protected wilderness is a paradise for adventurers, heritage enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
In addition to serving as a vital sanctuary for big cats, wild bison, and rare bird species, the park houses two of Goa’s most famous landmarks: the majestic four-tiered Dudhsagar Waterfalls and the historic 12th-century Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple. From thrilling off-road jeep safaris across forest rivers to ancient basalt architecture and jungle trekking trails, this reserve offers the ultimate hinterland adventure in Goa.
Here is a complete visitor guide to Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park, covering its history, key attractions, visitor details, travel tips, and nearby places to explore.
View Location on Map
To easily navigate to the main entry gates and tourist hubs using GPS or Google Maps, use the location details below:
- Location Address: Mollem National Park Entrance Gate & Forest Checkpost, National Highway 744, Mollem, Dharbandora Taluka, South-East Goa, Goa 403410
Overview & Biodiversity of the Park
Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park represent Goa’s rich ecological heritage:
- Goa’s Largest Protected Forest: Originally declared as Mollem Game Sanctuary, it was renamed Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary in 1969, with a core area of 107 square kilometers designated as Mollem National Park in 1978.
- Rich Western Ghats Flora: Dominated by dense primary canopy forests, towering timber trees like Terminalia, bamboo groves, and rare epiphytic orchids.
- Abundant Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to species such as the Bengal Tiger, Black Panther, Indian Leopard, Barking Deer, Pangolin, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and the Indian Gaur (Bison)—the official state animal of Goa.
Key Highlights & Experiences
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek & Safari: Experience the spectacular 310-meter four-tiered waterfall located deep inside the sanctuary. Access is available via authorized forest jeep safaris operating from Collem or via regulated monsoon trekking routes.
- Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple: Visit an ancient 12th-century stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed out of weather-resistant black basalt rock by Kadamba dynasty architects.
- Devil’s Canyon (Devcharacho Kond): A scenic river gorge carved into jagged rock formations along the Khandepar River, surrounded by dense jungle vegetation.
- Jungle Trekking & Nature Trails: Hike along forest trails such as the Tambdi Surla Waterfall Trail or the Castle Rock border path to discover butterflies, reptiles, and native forest birds.
- Tambdi Surla Butterfly Park: Walk through a curated eco-park near the temple complex featuring flowering hosts that attract species like the Malabar Tree Nymph and Southern Birdwing.
Key Visitor Information
| Essential Detail | Information |
| Location | Mollem / Dharbandora Taluka (~55 km from Panaji, ~45 km from Margao) |
| Visiting Timings | Mon to Sun: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Jeep safaris operate until 3:30 PM) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to May for Dudhsagar jeep safaris & temple visits; July to September for monsoon greenery |
| Entry Fee | Approx. ₹20 – ₹50 per person (Additional charges apply for vehicles, cameras, and jeep safari bookings) |
| Ideal Duration | Full-day excursion (5 to 8 hours) |
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Book Dudhsagar Jeep Safaris Early: During peak tourist months (November to February), jeep safari tickets from the Collem counter sell out quickly; arrive early in the morning.
- Dudhsagar Monsoon Closures: Off-road jeep safaris through forest riverbeds are closed during the heavy monsoon season (June to September) for safety.
- Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes: Exploring canyon trails, waterfall steps, and ancient temple grounds requires comfortable, closed-toe footwear with good traction.
- Carry Cash & Download Offline Maps: Mobile network coverage is patchy or non-existent throughout the park interior, and local counters operate primarily on cash.
Photo Gallery Of Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Mollem & Dharbandora
Combine your trip to Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary with these nearby natural and historical destinations:
- Collem Village: The main base station for organizing Dudhsagar waterfall jeep safaris, local homestays, and rustic dining.
- Atreya Vedic Farm: A private spice plantation and eco-tourism center located near Mollem offering guided medicinal plant tours.
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 25 km northwest, featuring a family-friendly mini zoo, botanical gardens, and deer park.
- Safa Masjid (Ponda): Located 25 km west along the route to Panaji, a historic 16th-century Islamic monument built during the Adil Shah era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A: Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park are located in Dharbandora Taluka along the eastern border of Goa, approximately 55 km east of Panaji.
Q2. How do you reach Dudhsagar Falls inside the sanctuary?
A: Dudhsagar Waterfalls is reached via authorized 4×4 forest jeep safaris operating from the Collem counter, which drive through river crossings and forest tracks to the base of the falls.
Q3. Can you visit Tambdi Surla Temple throughout the year?
A: Yes, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is easily accessible by road year-round and does not require off-road jeep transport.
Q4. Are tigers and leopards present in Mollem National Park?
A: Yes, the protected forests of Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary are part of an active tiger and black panther corridor connecting Goa and Karnataka.