NATIONAL PARKS OF INDIA

Covering an area of about 240 sq km, Mollem National Park is located in Mollem, Goa, along the eastern border with Karnataka. The park is nestled in the Western Ghats of South India, in Sanguem taluk, Goa.

History of the park
Previously the park was known as Mollem Game Sanctuary. It was deemed a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1969 and was then rechristened as Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. In 1978 the core part of the region (approximately 107 sq km) was declared a national park.

Fauna
Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Barking Deer, Common Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrel, Black Panther, Spotted Deer, Wild Dog, etc. are some of the important faunas of the park. The prominent reptile species here are King Cobra, Russell's Viper, Malabar Pit Viper, Indian Rock Viper, Bronze back Tree Snake, Indian Cobra, etc. The park is home to different colourful butterfly species which include common Jezebel, Blue Mormon, Common Mime, Plum Judy and many more.

Avian-fauna
Several colourful and rare birds such as Malabar Pied Hornbill, Greater Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Black Woodpecker, Paradise Flycatcher, Sri Lanka Frogmouth, etc. are found here. The Ruby-Throated Yellow Bulbul that is found here is the state bird of Goa.

Flora
Species of Beleric, Jamba, Banabá Plant and Dalbergia are prominent flora species of the park.

Getting there
Mollem National Park is located approximately 60 km away from Panaji. From Panaji visitors can avail Kadamba transport Corporation to reach the park. The Dabolim airport (80 km away) is the closest airport. The nearby railhead is in Collem, almost 5 km away. The region falls on the Mormugao-Londa railway route.

Tourist tips
Accommodations are available in Mollem and Panaji. Dudhsagar Falls, Devil's Canyon, Tambdi Surla Temple, Sunset Point and Tambdi Falls are some of the important tourist spots in and around the park.

Tourist information
Mollem National Park, NH 4A, Caranzol, GA - 403410, India.
Phone: +91-832-2612211
Ideal time to visit: October to March
Entry timing: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fees applicable.