Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is one of the most famous bird sanctuaries in India. It has been named after the famous ornithologist of India, Dr. Salim Ali. This bird sanctuary is one of the smallest bird sanctuaries in Goa and is spread over an area of just 1.8 square kilometers. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao is the smallest of the protected areas of Goa. It is basically a wetland ecosystem with dense mangrove vegetation. Even though it is small, it has a variety of species of birds and plants. Numerous tourists visit this sanctuary to observe the delightful winged creatures. Dr. Salim Ali bird sanctuary houses not just local but exotic migratory birds as well.

The rich mangrove habitat harbours Pintails, Blue-winged teals, maddar ducks, purple herons, Adjutant storcks, flying foxes, crocodiles etc. in large numbers in the winter months from October to February every year.

The area of the sanctuary is 1.78 sq.km. and has a number of canals interspersed within.

Nature Interpretation Centre: A walk-through Nature Interpretation Centre is located at the entrance of the sanctuary at Chorao and provides information about the floral composition and some of the frequent bird visitors.

Watch Tower: A three-storeyed watch tower located right inside the sanctuary provides a panaromic view of the sanctuary - below canopy level, at canopy level and above canopy level of the dense vegetation.

The Forest Department operates regular boating excursions in to the sanctuary. A 12-seater boat departs every morning at 7 a.m. from Chorao and takes the visitor to the watch tower. The ride lasts about one hour (The boat service is available only from October to May).

The characteristic features of the mangroves like root system, the propagules etc can be viewed first hand by the visitor.The lesser fauna like the mudskipper and fiddler crab can be observed at close quarters. Specially built observation points at three different places off the embankment provides view of the bird life on the mudflats.