Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Sanguem South Goa: Waterfalls, Bubble Lake & Visitor Guide
Sprawling over 211 square kilometers across the rugged Western Ghats in Sanguem Taluka, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Goa’s most pristine, ecologically diverse, and serene forest reserves. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Netravali acts as a vital wildlife corridor, seamlessly connecting Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to its south and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary to its north.
Unlike Goa’s heavily touristed coastal strips, Netravali offers a peaceful hinterland escape defined by dense moist deciduous trees, roaring jungle streams, hidden perennial waterfalls, and ancient local legends. From trekking through thick forest canopies to reaching remote cascades like Savari and Mainapi, Netravali is an offbeat haven for eco-tourists, hikers, and nature photographers.
Here is a comprehensive visitor guide to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary in Sanguem, South Goa, covering its key attractions, entry details, safari options, travel tips, and nearby sites to explore.
View Location on Map
To easily navigate to the main forest gate and the Netravali eco-tourism center using GPS or Google Maps, use the location details below:
- Location Address: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Forest Entrance, Sanguem Taluka, Netravali, South Goa, Goa 403704
Overview & Biodiversity of the Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary plays a central role in protecting the fragile hydrology and biodiversity of the Western Ghats:
- Vital Catchment Area: The sanctuary serves as the primary catchment basin for the Netravali River (a major tributary of the Zuari River), feeding local agriculture, freshwater ecosystems, and the nearby Salaulim Dam reservoir.
- Lush Evergreen Canopy: Dense semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests dominate the landscape, interspersed with high-altitude natural grasslands that support native herbivorous species.
- Rare & Endangered Fauna: The sanctuary is home to elusive species such as the Black Panther, Indian Leopard, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Slender Loris, and King Cobra.
- Birdwatcher’s Haven: Home to a wide range of endemic avian species, including the Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, and the nocturnal Ceylon Frogmouth.
Main Attractions & Sightseeing Spots
- Savari Waterfall: One of Netravali’s primary attractions, this cascading waterfall requires either a forest jeep safari or a scenic jungle hike through dense foliage, ending in a refreshing natural pool ideal for a swim.
- Mainapi Waterfall: A more secluded and adventurous waterfall set deeper inside the sanctuary, accessible via a trek through forest paths and rocky river crossings.
- Budbudyanchi Tali (The Bubble Lake): Located near the ancient Gopinath Temple just outside the forest gate, this mysterious square stone step-well features continuous natural bubbles rising to the surface, which famously increase in rhythm when visitors clap their hands nearby.
- Forest Jeep Safaris: Authorized 4×4 jeep safaris managed by local operators and forest officials take visitors along rugged forest tracks directly to the trailhead of the sanctuary’s waterfalls.
- Netravali Spice Plantations: The village of Netravali surrounding the sanctuary is known for its organic spice farms, where visitors can enjoy guided tours of cardamom, clove, pepper, and vanilla plantations alongside traditional Goan meals.
Key Visitor Information
| Essential Detail | Information |
| Location | Sanguem Taluka, South Goa (~45 km from Margao, ~75 km from Panaji) |
| Visiting Timings | Mon to Sun: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission to waterfall trails by 3:00 PM) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March for pleasant weather and hiking; July to October for roaring post-monsoon waterfalls |
| Entry Fee | Approx. ₹50 – ₹100 per person (Additional charges apply for Jeep safaris, cameras, and vehicle permits) |
| Ideal Duration | Half-day to full-day excursion (4 to 6 hours) |
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Book Jeep Safaris Early: If visiting during peak winter months or long weekends, arrange forest jeep safaris early in the morning at the Netravali eco-tourism counter.
- Wear Grippy Footwear: Hikes to Savari and Mainapi waterfalls involve uneven ground, slick rocks, and mud; wear sturdy, water-resistant hiking shoes.
- Carry Cash & Personal Supplies: Cell phone connectivity inside the sanctuary is extremely limited or non-existent. Carry sufficient cash for entry permits, guide fees, and local canteen meals.
- Respect Eco-Rules: Netravali is a plastic-restricted zone. Do not litter, keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife, and strictly follow designated trail markers.
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Sanguem & Netravali
Combine your trip to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary with these nearby cultural, natural, and engineering highlights:
- Salaulim Dam & Botanical Gardens: Located 20 km northwest, featuring a unique “duckbill” spillway design and manicured terraced gardens modelled after the Brindavan Gardens.
- Gopinath Temple: A quiet, ancient Krishna temple located adjacent to the famous Bubble Lake (Budbudyanchi Tali).
- Tanshikar’s Working Organic Spice Farm: Located in Netravali village, offering educational spice walks, eco-stays, and authentic Goan Hindu-style buffet lunches cooked in clay pots.
- Curdi (Kurdi) Submerged Village: Located near Sanguem, an ancient village that was submerged during the construction of the Salaulim Dam, re-emerging briefly every year during May before the monsoons.
Photo Gallery Of Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Where is Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary located?
A: Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Sanguem Taluka in southeastern South Goa, approximately 45 km east of Margao and 75 km from Panaji.
Q2. What is the famous Bubble Lake near Netravali?
A: Known locally as Budbudyanchi Tali, it is a historic stone step-well near the Gopinath Temple where natural methane or carbon dioxide gas pockets create continuous bubbles that react to sound and vibrations.
Q3. How do you reach Savari Waterfall inside the sanctuary?
A: Savari Waterfall is reached via a combination of a forest jeep safari along dirt tracks followed by a guided 1 to 2 km jungle trek through the forest.
Q4. Is Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary open during the monsoon season?
A: While the forest remains open, trekking routes to deep waterfalls may be restricted or regulated during heavy monsoon rains due to high water levels and slippery terrain.