This sanctuary which was earlier known as Mollem Game Sanctuary was subsequently renamed as Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary and lies on the eastern border of Goa, along the Western Ghats. The area comprises of 240 sq. Km. of luxuriant vegetation which had been declared a sanctuary
way back in 1969 and is situated in Sanguem Taluka. The National Highway 4A divides it into two parts and also the Mormugao - Londa railway line which passes through this area.

Flora: This sanctuary falls within the biogeographical province 5A/5B and contains pristine vegetation which is classified into three main forest types, namely:

[1]-West Coast Tropical Evergreen Forests,

[2]-West Coast Semi - Evergreen Forests,

[3]-Moist Deciduous Forests.

The predominant species are Terminalia, Lagerstromia, Xylia, Dalbergia etc. Due to luxuriant growth the canopy is almost closed and the availability of grass is very limited. The evergreen type of forests are mainly seen on higher altitudes and along the river banks. Because of the perennial sources of water within the sanctuary the availability of water is not a limiting factor as far as animals are concerned.

Though the settlement of rights and concessions has not still been done away with, certain private lands are still within the sanctuary and need to be acquired in due course of time.

Fauna: The fauna found in the sanctuary is as follows: Gaur, Panther, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine, Wild Dog, Leopard Cat, Sambar, Bonnet Macaque, Common Langur, Jungle Cat, Civet, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Pangolin, Slender Loris, etc. Occasionally, Tigers have also been seen, but the area is famous for King cobras though other snakes found are Python, Krait, Viper etc. as well as non-poisonous snakes. About 200 species of birds are found in the sanctuary of which the better known ones are Indian Black Woodpecker, the Malabar Pied Hornbill, Paradise Fly Catcher, Fairy Blue Bird, Drongo, Wag tails, Barbets, Great Indian Horn Bill, Kingfishers, Shrikes, Emerald Dove, Grey Jungle Fowl etc.

The other major areas of tourist attraction in this National Park are :

Dudhsagar Water Falls: This water fall which originates in Karnataka is the highest water fall found in the State of Goa and is within the extremities of the Wildlife Sanctuary. Water cascades from a height of 200 mtr. and splashes into a wide gorge making it milky all along and thus has earned its reputation as “Dudhsagar”. This spot has become a favourite tourist destination both for domestic as well as foreign tourists. The falls are easily accessible both from Mollem and Collem by road which passes through some pristine forest area.

Devil’s Canyon: This is known as “Devcharacho kond” which literally when translated from Konkani means ‘Devil’s Canyon’ and is a splendid piece of geological rock formation, wherein the river Khandepar passes through the sanctuary and has cut across the basalt rock formation thus earning its dubious name. The depth of the water here is supposed to be fathomless and is dangerous for swimming.

Tambdi Surla: The Tambdi Surla temple situated at Tambdi village is historically important as the same has been built by the Kadamba kings during the 13th Century. The temple is made out of black granite stone which has been dedicated to Lord Shiva and is well connected by road. The distance from Mollem to this temple is around 13 km.

Mollem National Park: The core zone of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary comprising an area of 107 sq. km. has been notified as a National Park during 1978. The flora and fauna of this Park is similar to that found within the sanctuary since this is a core zone.

Eco-tourism Wing: In the Nature Interpretation Centre at Mollem, there is an informative collection of forest products . It orients the visitor to the forest biota in general and the vegetation in this Sanctuary, in particular. Valuable information can be acquired here about what to expect at that particular time of the year. For going to the Dudhsagar Falls, taxies can be hired from Mollem and Collem. For accommodation, the Tourism Deptt. of Goa has several rooms and dormitories in the vicinity. One two-bedded suite is also available in the Forest Rest House at Mollem.

Location: This Sanctuary lies along the Eastern border of Goa on the Western Ghats. The National Highway, NH-4A almost divides the Sanctuary in two parts. Within the Sanctuary lies the newly constituted National Park. This lies entirely to one side of the road.

Easiest Approach:
Panaji : 65 km       Dabolim airport : 80 km      Margao : 54 km                Colem Rly. Stn. : 6 km

Best time for visiting: From October to April.