Mollem National Park: Goa’s Wild Heart Beneath the Western Ghats

Mollem National Park (Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park), perfect for nature lovers, ecotourists, and curious travelers seeking an offbeat experience in Goa. When most people imagine Goa, sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese cathedrals usually come to mind. But venture inland, away from the coast and into the dense emerald hills of the Western Ghats, and you’ll discover a very different Goa—one that breathes with the wild rhythms of the jungle.

Welcome to Mollem National Park, a pristine pocket of biodiversity, waterfalls, sacred temples, and untamed beauty. Located in South Goa near the border with Karnataka, this park is the gateway to the Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, together forming the state’s largest protected forest reserve.

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🌲 A Forest of Legends and Life Mollem National Park

Mollem National Park lies within the Sahyadri Hills (part of the UNESCO World Heritage Western Ghats), a region older than the Himalayas and one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Spread across 107 square kilometers, Mollem is a dense, multi-layered forest home to towering deciduous trees, evergreen canopies, and a chorus of birds, insects, and mammals echoing through the valleys.

The larger Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, which envelopes the park, covers over 240 square kilometers and offers vital refuge to hundreds of animal and plant species, many of them endemic or endangered.

🐾 Wildlife: The Real Inhabitants of Mollem

This forest is alive.

Mollem National Park is a haven for:

• Mammals of Mollem National Park: Indian leopard, bonnet macaque, sambar deer, barking deer, sloth bears, Indian bison (gaur), and the elusive black panther. Occasional tiger sightings have also been reported.
• Birds: With over 120 species, the park is a birdwatcher’s dream. Look for the Malabar pied hornbill, blue-winged parakeet, greater racket-tailed drongo, and the iconic ruby-throated yellow bulbul—Goa’s state bird.
• Reptiles: King cobras, pythons, vine snakes, and even vipers slither silently through the underbrush.
• Butterflies & Insects: The park teems with vibrant butterflies such as the Crimson Rose, Southern Birdwing, and Blue Mormon. Insects form a crucial part of this interconnected ecosystem.

Each step on the trail may reveal something wondrous—whether a flash of feathers in the canopy, the crackle of leaves under a shy animal’s feet, or the rustling rhythm of cicadas as twilight nears.

🌊 Natural Wonders: Waterfalls & Wilderness

🏞️ Dudhsagar Falls in Mollem National Park

Perhaps the most iconic feature of the sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls (“sea of milk”) crashes down from over 310 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in India. During the monsoon, the falls roar with breathtaking force, often seen from passing trains on the Londa–Vasco line.

You can trek or take a Jeep ride (seasonal) from Collem village to reach the base of the falls. It’s not just a photo spot—it’s an experience in itself.

🌳 Tambdi Surla Falls & Temple

Another hidden gem is the lesser-known Tambdi Surla Waterfall, reachable via a jungle trek from the ancient Tambdi Surla Shiva Temple—a 12th-century black basalt shrine built by the Kadamba dynasty. The temple, surrounded by thick jungle, feels timeless and sacred.

🌅 Devil’s Canyon & Sunset Point

The Devil’s Canyon is a dramatic gorge carved by the Mandovi River, where waters churn powerfully through steep, rocky formations. It’s a place of folklore, mystery, and natural beauty. Meanwhile, Sunset Point offers a quiet vantage for those who hike or drive uphill, revealing panoramic views of forested horizons.

🚶‍♂️ What To Do in Mollem National Park

🛻 Jeep Safari to Dudhsagar in Mollem National Park

• Operates from October to May (subject to rain)
• Jeeps can be hired at Collem (carry ID and permits)
• Includes river crossings, jungle rides, and 30–45 mins at the base of Dudhsagar Falls

🥾 Trekking & Nature Walks

• Tambdi Surla Trek: Easy to moderate; ~2.5 km through dense forests.
• Sunset Point Trek: Moderate; 14 km trek ending in sweeping views of the valley.
• Kachond Temple Trail: A lesser-known path with cultural significance.

Guided treks with forest department officials are available for both daytime and night walks. Booking in advance is recommended.

🦉 Birdwatching and Photography

Bring binoculars and patience. Sunrise and just after rainfall are prime times for sightings. Guides from nearby eco-resorts can enhance the experience.

🏕️ Stay: Accommodation Inside & Near Mollem National Park

While Mollem is remote, it offers a few cozy options:

• Forest Rest Houses (Mollem Gate): Run by Goa Forest Department; simple and basic.
• Shangri-La Jungle Village (near Tambdi Surla): Eco-resort with guided treks.
• Jungle Book (Collem): Popular for backpackers, birders, and those on a budget.
• Farm stays and homestays in nearby villages offer cultural immersion and local food.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

Season	What to Expect
October–March	Ideal weather, cool forest air, accessible trails
June–September	Monsoon magic: waterfalls in full glory, thick mist, but limited access due to rain
April–May	Dry and hot; animal sightings near water sources increase

Note: During monsoon, jeep safaris may close, but trekking becomes more mystical—with mist-draped forests and the deafening music of rain and frogs.

📜 Permits & Tips

• Entry fee Mollem National Park : ~₹20 (Indian adults), extra for foreigners, vehicles, and cameras
• Safari Jeep: ~₹2800–3500 per vehicle (up to 7 people)
• Best accessed via Collem Railway Station or road from Ponda/Belgaum
• Always follow park rules: No loud music, plastic, or off-trail wandering
• Forest officials must accompany night treks or off-road hikes

🛑 Conservation & The #SaveMollem Movement

In recent years, Mollem National Park has become the center of environmental activism. Large-scale projects—including railway doubling, power transmission lines, and highways—were proposed through protected areas.

This sparked the #SaveMollem movement, led by scientists, students, and citizens determined to protect Goa’s green lungs. Protests, petitions, and public pressure successfully pushed back on parts of the plan.

Visiting Mollem responsibly is not just about enjoying nature—it’s about understanding and respecting it.

Mollem is a small village located in the Indian state of Goa, known for its natural beauty, lush forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility away from the bustling beaches of Goa.

Key Highlights in Mollem

• Mollem National Park: Part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, this protected area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including leopards, Indian bison, and various bird species.
• Dudhsagar Waterfalls: One of the tallest waterfalls in India, located nearby. The falls are a spectacular sight, especially during the monsoon season.
• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple: A 12th-century Hindu temple nestled in the forest, known for its exquisite architecture.
• Mollem River: Offers opportunities for river safaris, bird watching, and relaxing amidst nature.
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: Encompasses lush forests, hiking trails, and rich biodiversity.

How to Reach Mollem

• By Road: Well-connected by road from Panaji (the state capital) and other parts of Goa. Buses, taxis, and rental vehicles are available.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Karmali, about 20 km away.
• By Air: Dabolim Airport in Goa is approximately 50 km from Mollem.

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Cooler and more comfortable weather, ideal for trekking and sightseeing.
• Monsoon (June to September): Waterfalls are at their fullest, but trails can be slippery.

Tips for Visiting Mollem

• Carry essentials: water, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and camera.
• Respect wildlife and follow park guidelines.
• Entry to national parks may require permits or entry fees.
• Be cautious of wildlife and stay on designated trails.

✨ Final Thoughts: The Soul of Wild Goa

Mollem isn’t the Goa most travelers expect. It’s deeper, quieter, more ancient. It demands more of you—attention, patience, and reverence—but in return, it offers something that beaches never will: a connection to the living Earth.

So if you crave something beyond clubs and coastlines, head into the forest. Let the trees whisper stories of rain, roots, and time. Stand by a waterfall. Spot a hornbill overhead. And walk the same paths that tigers, sages, and kings may once have walked.

Mollem is wild Goa. And it’s waiting.