Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Information :
Location: Island of Chorao near Mandovi River.
How to reach: Take a bus/cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry dock and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao.
Best season: October to March.
Main Attraction: Exotic bird species and small wild animals.
About the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa :
This is Goa's only bird sanctuary, 1.8 Sq Km in area. A variety of local and migratory birds can be found on this island. From Panaji , one needs to take a bus or a cab to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi river to the island of Chorao. The sanctuary is within walking distance from the ferry wharf at Chorao. On the western tip of the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India best-known ornithologist. Open throughout the year, the sanctuary can be visited with the permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji. Apart from a rich variety of coastal birds, one may spot flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles.The area consists of mangrove vegetation. Mangrove ecosystems are among the most productive ones known to us. They provide refuge and breeding grounds for several varieties of fish and insects which fall at the base of the food-chain.
The "Mangrove Scrub" type of vegetation that is found here occurs in small isolated areas along the banks of Mandovi and Mapusa rivers and also along the Cumbarjua canal.This Sanctuary is criss-crossed with a network of water channels. So movement is restricted to the duration of high tide if one wants to go by boats. However for canoes, the creeks are accessible even during low tides.A watch-tower has been erected in the Sanctuary for better viewing of birds. Apart from the several resident birds, the Sanctuary also has some winter visitors like coots and pintails.
Some important features:
The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Goa. Thus it happens to a great tourist attraction for bird lovers. The sanctuary goes to lengths to preserve and promote wildlife conservation in Goa. This highly rejuvenating bird sanctuary is also dear to many because of its scenic and serene atmosphere.
Bird lovers and budding ornithologists are specially recommended to visit this sanctuary during their visit to Goa.
Flora at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :
he flora of the sanctuary largely consists of mangrove shrubbery.
Fauna at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :
A veritable paradise for bird-watchers, the sanctuary plays host to exotic varieties of avian species. During the winter season, migratory birds flock to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in large numbers. Apart from birds, flying foxes, jackals and crocodiles are found in the sanctuary.
How to Reach Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary :
by Air : Dabolim is the nearest airport, 29 km from Panaji.
by Boat : Take a bus or a cab from Panaji to the Ribandar ferry wharf and then take a ferry across the Mandovi River to the island of Chorao.
