Goa , a former Portuguese enclave and the smallest state in India, is associated with sand, sea, sun, wine, beaches, fun and frolic and is a tourists paradise. However it is also becoming increasingly popular for its birdwatching tours. Goa has more than 450 bird species reported by various experts, spread over the length and breadth of the state but all easily accessible by road and can be covered from a single base.

Goa can be divided into 3 ecological zones namely the low lying coastal plains with its mangroves and marshes, the midland region having large tablelands , the forested interiors and of course the vast coastland.  There is no place where birds are not found. Recommended sites for the avid birdwatchers which can be covered over a reasonable short period of time for optimum bird watching holidays are as follows:

 

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary	River Zuari
Dudhsagar waterfalls	Carambolin Lake
Velim Lake	Chorao island
Maem Lake	Morjim Beach
Baga Fields	Arpora Woods
Baga Hill	Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Saligao Zor	Santa Cruz
Pilerne Lake	Fort Aguada
Bondla Sanctuary	Tambdi Surla

The  season for birdwatching  tours is 1st October to 30th April. However November to March is when the climate is excellent and the winter migrants are also spotted along with the local species. Visits to different locations with our expert and professional birdwatching guides , would also include packed breakfast to have an uninterrupted adventure. Its important to note that 3 of the locations mentioned above have been classified as Important Bird Areas (IBA) by Birdlife International , UK and Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai.

Threatened Birds of Goa, which if you are lucky, can make your birdwatching holidays worth billions.

White backed Vulture	Long billed Vulture
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon	Greater Spotted Eagle
Nilgiri Flycatcher	Malabar Pied Hornbill
Painted Stork	Indian Skimmer
White Ibis	Darter
Lesser Adjutant	Great Pied Hornbill

 

About the Program : 

Since the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary is one of the most preferred bird watching destinations in Goa, we arrange your stay at a resort right next to the gate itself with three sides of the resort covered by the sanctuary. Here you have the luxury of waking up with the chirping of the two legged wonders. Bird watching tours and walks are organized every day to different parts of Goa, based on the schedule and number of days, to view maximum number of different species of birds of Goa. Since you are escorted by professional guides, you optimize your sightings and can gain lot of knowledge about each of the areas you visit and the different species that you come across which makes your birdwatching tour so memorable . We also get you to stay at North Goa for a few nights, depending on the package duration , to reduce the travel time.

We offer two bird watching tour packages which are for 10 nights and 15 nights , in November 2011 and February 2012. These packages are designed by experts for maximum sighting in multiple locations as mentioned above . These birdwatching tour packages would also include a bit of sightseeing and a visit to some of the famous beaches of Goa so that you do not miss out on your fun quotient during your stay with us.

 

The Packages

There are 2 bird watching packages on offer :

10 Nights/11 Days :  Goa to Goa

This Goa Bird sighting tour covers sites such as  Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary , Dudhsagar waterfalls ,  Velim Lake ,  River Zuari , Maem Lake , Carambolin Lake , Baga Marshes , Bondla Sanctuary , Morjim Beach, Fort Aguada, Pilerne Lake and  Tambdi Surla . This tour can result in sighting of more than 200 species with the help of expert birding guides.

15 Nights/16 Days :  Goa to Goa

This Goa Bird sighting tour covers sites such as  Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary , Dudhsagar waterfalls ,  Velim Lake ,  River Zuari , Maem Lake , Carambolin Lake , Baga Marshes, Batim Lake, Dona Paula, Bondla Sanctuary , Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Morjim Beach , Tambdi Surla , Santacruz , Saligao Zor, Baga Fields , Arpora Woods and Chorao Island  . This tour can result in sighting of more than 250 species with the help of expert birding guides.

Note: We would receive you at Goa and get the entire trip done successfully as per plan and drop you back for your return journey.

We can offer assistance in air booking as well along with visa assistance if required through our agent in UK.

Please feel free to write to us at response@sandaretreats.com