Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa

Information about Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa

Location: Panji

State: Goa

Capital: Panji

Language: Konkani, Hindi, English, Marathi

Temperature: Max 33˚C, Min 26˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)

Best Season: March to June

How to Reach:

By Air :
Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.

By Rail :
It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.

By Road:
Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an important bird sanctuary in India. The local and the migratory birds make it an ideal destination for the bird lovers and nature lovers. Panaji, the capital city of Goa, is the best place from where tourists can hire buses or cabs that will take them to the Rabandar Ferry wharf. From the ferry wharf, ferry services are available that will take you to the island named Chorao.

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, North Goa is at walking distance from the ferry ghat. Mandovi River is the nearest river to the island. Along this river, the western tip of the island is the best place to spot birds and to enjoy the wonderful aspects of the nature and the colorful birds. The bird sanctuary is named after India’s famous ornithologist, Sir Salim Ali. The sanctuary remains open throughout the year and prior permission is needed from the Chief Wild Life Warden of the Forest Department, Panaji.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary consists of mangrove forest plantations and mangrove scrubs along the small stretch of land of Mandovi and Mapusa River, and also along the Cumbarjua Canal. These water bodies are the homeland for various amphibians and crocodiles. Starting from water fowls to migratory birds, all kinds of birds can be found here. The cheerful chirpings of the birds and their colors, make the air vibrant and lively.

The watch tower is the best place from where tourists can have a good view of the birds. There are some resident birds and these birds are looked after by the sanctuary, so that they can grow and regenerate in their natural habitat.

The Wildlife Department arranges tours to the sanctuary whereby the tourists can have an experience of the vibrant birdlife and their peculiarities. Dusk and dawn are the best times for bird watching, apart from that nature walks are the best way to spot birds on the tree branches and tree-tops.