Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park National Park
Goa's largest protected area with evergreen forests.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park in Goa contains evergreen forest, ridges and wildlife corridors; visitors come for hiking, birdwatching and seasonal waterfalls within protected trails.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park at a Glance#
Address: Mollem, South Goa district, Goa, India
Website: https://www.goaforest.gov.in/
Hours: Daily 6:00am-6:00pm (park gate times can vary seasonally)
Admission: INR 100-200 (varies by zone); vehicle and guide fees may apply
About Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park#
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park is a protected area in Goa combining a wildlife sanctuary with a national park component, and is an important tract of Western Ghats forest in the state.
The area offers forested trails, wildlife viewing and riverine scenery; its best-known natural feature is Dudhsagar Falls, which attracts most visitors to the park. Guided treks, jeep safaris and short walks to viewpoints are common ways to experience the reserve’s biodiversity.
The protected area was designated to conserve local forest ecosystems and wildlife typical of the Western Ghats; over time it has been managed for both conservation and regulated tourism. Traditional communities also live in and around the park and interact with its management.
Situated in eastern-central Goa near the border with Karnataka, the sanctuary and park occupy hilly, forested terrain inland from the Goan coast and are accessed from roads and trailheads in the Mollem area.
- Best time to visit: The waterfall is most impressive during and immediately after the monsoon; many visitors schedule visits in the rainy season to see the larger flows, while dry-season access is easier for trekking and wildlife spotting.
What to See#
- Dudhsagar Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall that is one of the sanctuary and park’s best-known natural attractions and a frequent focus of visitor trips into the reserve.
How to Get to Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park#
Mollem is about 70-80 km from Panaji (approx. 2-2.5 hours by road). Regular buses and taxis operate from major towns in Goa; private vehicles approach via the NH748. The park entrance is near the village of Mollem and the Dudhsagar range.
Tips for Visiting Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park#
- Hire a licensed local guide for the Mollem circuits - trails can be poorly marked and conditions vary.
- When visiting the Tambdi Surla Temple area, go early morning to avoid afternoon heat and to hear the gibbons.
- Respect local rules: some areas require permits or vehicle entry fees; check with Goa Forest Department.
Best Time to Visit Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park#
Peak visiting season is November-February for comfortable trekking and wildlife sightings; monsoon turns the park vividly green but complicates access.
Weather & Climate near Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park#
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (3160 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 0 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 1.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.2h |
| February | Ideal | 18° - 30° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 46% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.5h |
| March | Ideal | 21° - 31° | 26° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 50% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 23° - 32° | 28° | 23 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 29° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 66% | 2.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 606 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.9h |
| July | Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 1279 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 22° - 26° | 24° | 715 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.5h |
| September | Good | 21° - 28° | 25° | 228 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 161 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Excellent | 20° - 29° | 25° | 37 mm | some cloud | 74% | 1.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.3h |
| December | Ideal | 18° - 29° | 24° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 61% | 1.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.1h |
