About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Goa’s most pristine and ecologically rich protected areas, nestled deep within the Western Ghats along the Goa–Karnataka border. Spread across dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, the sanctuary derives its name from the Mhadei River, a lifeline that sustains the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Western Ghats in Goa. The Wildlife sanctuary has an area of 208.5 square kilometers. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is also a Project Tiger reserve to save Bengal Tigers.

Nilgiri Woodpigeon, a Globally threatened bird species, at the Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna, and many endangered species of animals, reptiles, and amphibians are found here in the Wild Life Sanctuary.

This park is heaven for those interested in bird watching. There is an International Bird Area inside the wildlife sanctuary. Globally threatened species of birds like Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar grey hornbill, grey-headed bulbul Malabar parakeet, white-bellied blue-flycatcher, rufous babbler, and crimson-backed Sunbird are found here in this sanctuary. There are 255 species of birds here, out of which 53 birds are known to breed here.

Vazra Sakla Falls and the Virdi Falls are two famous falls among many falls in this sanctuary.

Hiking and trekking are popular at this wildlife park. White Water Rafting is also there.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary has two Forest Department rest houses, one each at Valpoi and Keri.

How to Reach this Wildlife Sanctuary Near Goa?

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is in the North Goa district, and Valpoi is the nearest town to the sanctuary. This Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible by road. The nearest main railway station is the one at Panaji, Goa. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, in Dabolim, Goa.

Conclusion

With its rugged terrain, mist-covered hills, hidden waterfalls, and rich wildlife corridors, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a vital conservation zone and an unexplored gem for those seeking raw wilderness and natural beauty away from the crowds.