Detailed
Cruise Programs
DR. SALIM ALI BIRD SANCTUARY
Timing: 07:00 to 09:00 hours
Board a small dugout canoe near the Portuguese Penha de Franca Church at the village of Britona to cross the river into the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a protected area named after the famous Indian ornithologist.
At 1.8 square kilometres, it is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, but it is densely populated with mangroves, a variety of resident and migratory birds, as well as the Indian crocodile, python, flying fox, otter and mudskipper.
Our naturalist guide knows the bird sanctuary well. He will punt you around the marshes for one or two hours, pointing out the birds to you, an extremely tranquil and interesting experience.
The birdlife on this island includes the kingfisher, pheasant-tailed jacana, green bee-eater, red-wattled Lapwing, sandpiper, purple moorhen, stork, cormorant, and pin-tail duck, among others.
October to April is the ideal time to visit.