This is one of the most beautiful and scenic bird sanctuaries found in Goa. Located on the beautiful island of Chorao, it is easily approached by taking a cab or bus to the Ribandar ferry wharf subsequently wherein one can cross over to Chorao by ferry. It is the only bird sanctuary in Goa and dedicated to Goa's famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali.
This sanctuary is an extreme delight for any nature lover, specially one interested in bird watching. This bird paradise in turn is covered by Mangrove swamps and can be visited by the prior permission of the Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Panjim. Fourteen mangrove species are found here including the rare Kandelia candel spices. Although it is principally a bird sanctuary, it is also inhabited by jackals, foxes and crocodiles. Also prawns, planktons, an unusual variety of mudskipper fish, tiny crabs and shrimps can be found around the sanctuary. It is 1.8 sq kms in area with a variety of local and migratory bird species found here. Some of the birds seen here are eagles, drongos, kingfishers, egrets, herons, wood peckers, kites, myna, curlews, sandpiper, redshank, and hoopoe. Mangrove vegetations are also prominent here and the island is crossed with a wide network of water channels. All exploring has to be done by boats, as there are no roads. The vegetation here is thick and one can often see low lying bird nests and huge bats that hang from treetops.
The sanctuary is open all year round but the best time to visit it is when the migratory birds arrive during November to February.
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