Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is one of the most protected areas of Goa. The sanctuary is named after Dr. Salim Ali, one of India's most celebrated ornithologists. The area is covered by low mangrove forest forming an ideal ecosystem for breeding and refuge of various kinds of fish and insects. Apart from being a peaceful haven for rare species of birds, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is home to fauna, including flying foxes, little and black bitterns, jack snipes, rodents, jackals, and other animals. The sanctuary has been kept open all around the year and can be visited with the prior permission of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji.

Who doesn't love photography? Take some time and visit Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary it won’t be a complete tour unless you don't take some time out for photography. Since it’s the richest bird habitat in India; it’s essential to capture the rare and exotic species you see in your camera. As we know that photos keep the memories alive and take you back to the precious moment. One should definitely visit this place and get themselves clicked for sure.

Price for Still Camera: INR 50/ camera
Price for Video Camera: INR 100/camcorder

Take an environmentally friendly cycling tour around Chorao Island to admire the lush vegetation. If it's a good day, you might see dancing peacocks, and crocodiles lurking in the swamp, or you might hear the chirps of the birds that live in the asylum. Bicycle rides are a great way to see the park's unusual wildlife because they frequently surprise you with amusing gestures. Going on foot, however, will be a more satisfying experience if you want to explore the entire park.

Best time: Morning&nbsp;

Divar Island is a beautiful natural island nestled away in lush trees. This location was originally a Hindu pilgrimage destination, one of many in India, and was home to the temples of Saptakoteshwar, Ganesh, Mahamaya, and Dwarkeshwar. Urak is only found in a few areas in Goa, including Divar Island. It takes pride in being one of the six major islands in the Mandovi river.

Location: 10 KM from Panjim in Goa
Best Time: During festivals such as Patekar and Bonderam.
What To See: Places like Piedade, Sao Matia, Naroa, etc
Distance from Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 14.2 KM

Who doesn't love a sunset? Sunset calms your mind and relaxes you. You can catch the ferries swooning from one coast to the other in the mighty Mandovi river below or just reach in time to see a glorious sunset from here. You can also take a ride on the cruise. This place has a whole vibe for the person of every age. It acts as a calming and soothing factor. Its panoramic vibe is wholesome.&nbsp;

Timings: 5 PM-7 PM&nbsp;
Price for Cruise: INR 500/person&nbsp;
Fun At Cruise: Music live performance, Local Dj&nbsp;
Distance from Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 6 KM

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most important church in Goa, India. It is located in Old Goa, which was once the capital of Portuguese India. Built in 1605, it is one of the oldest churches in India and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is dedicated to Infant Jesus and holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica is a Baroque-style church with a richly gilded interior. The main altar is made of marble, and the walls and ceilings are decorated with paintings and frescoes. The church also houses a museum with artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Location: Old Goa Road, Bainguinim, Goa
Timings: 8:30 AM - 8 PM&nbsp;
Time Required: 1-1.5 hours
Distance from Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 7.3 KM

Thalassa is a Mediterranean restaurant in North Goa located on Vagator Beach. It offers a unique blend of Greek, Italian and Indian cuisine, as well as a variety of wines, beers and cocktails. The restaurant has an alfresco seating area, which makes it the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic dinner while admiring the stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Thalassa also hosts live music and DJ nights, making it a popular destination for nightlife lovers.

Location: Vaddy, Siolim, Goa
Timings: 9 AM - 1 AM
Top Dishes: Cocktails, Pasta, Risotto, Seafood, Wine, Pizza
Distance from Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 30 KM

This museum exhibits a fine collection of Christian artefacts dating back to the 16th century when the Portuguese ruled Goa. It is sprawled over 2,000 square feet. So, if you want to visit a place and learn about the rich heritage of Christianity in Goa; this is the place to be; showcasing more than 150 artefacts. Though the statues and sculptures hold Christian characters yet they emanate Indian culture. One of the reasons behind this could be that these sculptures were carved by local Hindu artists.&nbsp;

Location: Monte Santo (Holy Hill, Next to St. Augustine Tower, Velha Goa)
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM&nbsp;
Entry Fees: For Adults- INR 5/ For Children - INR 2
Distance from Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: 6.8 KM

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest airport is Dabolim International Airport which is connected to major cities. From here you can book a private taxi to Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary which is 30 KM.</li>
</ul>

By Train: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest railway station is Karmali Railway Station which is 10 KM from the bird sanctuary.</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>Dr. Salim Bird Sanctuary is located at a distance of 4.8 KM from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand.</li>
</ul>

In conclusion, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an important bird habitat located in Goa, India. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of bird species and is a great place for birdwatching. The sanctuary provides a safe environment for the birds and is a popular tourist attraction. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect the birds and their habitat. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an important part of India’s biodiversity and is worth visiting.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary in Goa that is home to exotic wildlife in an estuarine mangrove setting. The diverse flora of this region comprises Teak, Red Sandalwood, Rosewood, Jungle Jack, and many more tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen trees that are home to numerous birds. Species like purple herons, white egrets, eagles, and kingfishers are also found there. Some of the resident birds include drongos and woodpeckers. Crocodiles, pythons, and fiddler crabs that are usually spotted in marshes can also be found there. It is also home to outlandish faunae which include flying foxes, little and black bitterns, jack snipes, etc.&nbsp;

Location: Near Ribandar Ferry, Chorao, Goa
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fees: INR 50/person
Distance from Panaji: 6.7 KM
Best time to Visit: October - March

If you’re travelling with kids and taking a long walk seems like a task, then you can prefer boat tours that will take you through the dense mangroves. During the winter season, you can find boatmen, who would take you around the island to spot birds from the water. Inside the sanctuary, a water tour is conducted through the channels, which crisscrosses the sanctuary. Canoes are the most commonly opted water transportation for exploring the sanctuary.

Things to do: Boat riding, bird watching, photography
Price: INR 750 - 900/boat
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Chorao Island is not just about birds and animals. You can find villages, which are still living a traditional lifestyle. Starting from their architecture to the cuisine, everything about them is old-school and untouched by commercialization. You can stroll through the streets of these villages and enjoy their customs and traditions.

Best time: Early morning to evening&nbsp;
Duration: 2 hours

How does it feel to be over the river and through the woods? Hiking gives you this whole experience. If you are ready for some hiking experience, you can try to hike to the top of Christ Hill. You can find a few religious statues along the way. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy a pristine panoramic view, and catching the sunset from the top is one of the best experiences. Perfect spot for your dose of soul searching.

Location: Christ hill, Chorao, Panaji&nbsp;
Price: INR 45/person
Timings: 6 AM - 9 AM &amp; 3 PM - 6 PM

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

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