Mollem National Park | Timings & Best Time to Visit

Mollem National Park, nestled in India’s Western Ghats, is a haven of biodiversity in Goa. The park timings are 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Its lush landscapes harbour diverse flora and fauna, including majestic tigers and elusive leopards, making it a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife admirers. 

About the Mollem National Park:

Mollem National Park is part of the famous Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the biggest national park in Goa that takes you on a captivating wildlife adventure. 

Jeep safaris take visitors right into the heart of the forest reserve, bringing them closer to the vibrant wildlife. 

It is undoubtedly an essential destination for all wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts. Touring the national park during the monsoon season is a good leisure activity.

Mollem National Park Timings:

The park timings are 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.

Days	Timings
Monday	9 am to 5 pm
Tuesday	9 am to 5 pm
Wednesday	9 am to 5 pm
Thursday	9 am to 5 pm
Friday	9 am to 5 pm
Saturday	9 am to 5 pm
Sunday	9 am to 5 pm

Best Time to Visit Mollem National Park:

Though the park is open throughout the year, the best time to explore Goa’s wildlife is between November and March. 

Don’t visit in the summer season because Goa is a sandy region. Due to the scorching climate, the wildlife beauty of Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary remains almost drab in the summer.

Mollem National Park Entry Fee:

The park entry fees are here.

Tickets	Costs
Adults	Rs. 20
Kids	Rs. 5
Still camera	Rs. 30
Video camera	Rs. 150
Two-wheeler entry	Rs. 40
Car/Jeep entry	Rs. 75
Bus/Tempo entry	Rs. 150
Van entry	Rs. 250

Safari in Mollem National Park:

Many adventure companies entice tourists with exciting activities inside the boundary of Mollem National Park. The Dudhsagar Tour Operators Association, present within the park’s premises, offers jeep safari services. 

Interested tourists must rent a 4X4 ride and pay for life jackets and their cameras. The one-way tour takes about 45 minutes, and the tour operators give the tourists around 90 minutes to spend quality time at the waterfall.

Safari Price: INR 2800 per vehicle with a carrying capacity of seven people

Mollem National Park Hiking and Trekking:

Taking private vehicles into the park is one option for exploring the surroundings, but hiking through it is a much better way of experiencing nature. 

Many hikes and treks were conducted throughout Mollem National Park. The professional guides have an acute knowledge of the park’s terrain. 

They are well-informed about the various animal and plant species the tourists will likely encounter during a hike.

There are two main nature trails in the park.

• The 2.5-kilometre-long trail starts from the Tambdi Surla Temple area and leads to a small waterfall.
• The 5-kilometre-long trek from the Mollem Park gate ends at an ancient temple at Kachond.
• Another 14-kilometre-long walk along Sunset Point is going up to Anmod on the Goa border.

Since these trails are unmarked, it was advised to embark on these exploratory ventures with a guide. 

On special request and with the company of a forest official, night excursions can also be arranged in the park. No extra charges were required for the outing. However, tourists need to have their vehicles.

Flora and Fauna in Mollem National Park:

The area covered by Mollem Park is heavily forested with natural vegetation.

Flora:

The evergreen forests densely populate the higher altitudes of the park. They also include the areas in a criss-cross pattern along the banks of a perennial river and on the upper slopes of the Ghats. 

Among the primary species of trees found in Mollem National Park, the important ones are Lagerstroemia, Terminalia, Dalbergia and Xylia. 

Due to the dense forest cover, sunlight does not reach the forest floors in many places. Besides trees, the park is home to around 722 flower species, and 128 endemic plant species found only in the Western Ghats. 

Even though grass grows sparse, one can discover shrubs and bushes scattered around the park.

Fauna:

The park is the natural habitat for several herbivorous animal species, such as the Sambar, Barking Deer, Hog, Spotted Deer and Mouse Deer. 

The forest grounds are also home to carnivores like leopard cats, toy cats, panthers, tigers, and jungle cats. 

Keen observers can spot the lesser-seen Indian Civet, Slender Loris, Sloth Bear, Scaly Ant Eater, Giant Squirrel, Bonnet Macaque, Hyena, Jackal, Common Otter and Flying Fox making an appearance amidst the dense forests.

Geography of Mollem National Park:

This offbeat tourist attraction is spread over 240 square kilometres, and the core region of the park is about 107 square kilometres. 

The topography of Mollem Park supports tropical evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. 

The privileged setting of the park right in the foothills of the Western Ghats is just worth admiring, and the countryside is one of the most peaceful ones that you will find in Goa. 

Towards the southern side, the park was surrounded by the state of Karnataka and the Eastern Ghats. Some patches of savannah grasslands can also be found inside the park.

Tips for Visting Mollem National Park:

Here are some suggestions for visiting the National Park:

• Research the park’s attractions, rules, and regulations before your visit. It will help you maximise your trip and ensure you’re well-prepared.
• Check for any permits to enter the park and obtain them in advance. 
• Visit during the cooler months of November to February to avoid the heat and humidity of the summer.
• Bring sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
• Carry an adequate supply of water and some snacks, especially if you plan to explore the park for an extended period.
• Keep a distance from animals and avoid feeding them. Do not disturb their natural behaviours or habitats.
• Respect the local culture and traditions, and follow the rules set by the park authorities.

Things to Carry While Visiting Mollem National Park:

Here’s a list of things to consider carrying while visiting the park:

• Water and Snacks
• Sun Protection
• Hat
• sunglasses 
• Insect Repellent
• Comfortable Clothing
• Sturdy Footwear
• Rain Gear
• Camera and Binoculars
• First Aid Kit

Tourist places near Mollem National Park:

• Dudhsagar Falls
• Kadamba Shri Mahadeva Temple
• Dudhsagar Plantation
• Miramar Beach 
• Atreya Vedic and Spice Plantation
• Devils Canyon
• Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
• Baga Beach
• Hollolem Waterfall
• Calangute Beach
• Big Foot Goa
• Biodiversity Park
• Supa Dam Reservoir

Hotels near Mollem National Park:

• Nature’s Nest Goa
• Dudhsagar Plantation
• Jungle Book
• Dandeli Aura Jungle Stay
• Nirvana Villa With Pool
• Whistling Thrush Homestay
• Arco Iris Boutique Homestay
• St. Anthony Holiday Homes
• Cajueiro Homestead

Resorts near Mollem National Park:

• Dudhsagar Spa Resort
• Shangri La Jungle Resort
• Shubgiri Garden Resort
• Chrisander’s Resort
• Rock Valley Goa

Mollem National Park Contact Details:

• Address: Mollem National Park, Molem, Panaji, South Goa, Goa, India, 403410
• Contact Numbers: 0832 2424001, 832229701, 91-832-261221
• For more info, visit the website

How to Reach Mollem National Park:

By Road:

The nearest bus stand to Mollem Park is the “Mollem Bus Stand,” providing access to the park and its diverse wildlife in Goa, India.

By Rail:

Kulem Railway Station facilitates access to the park’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty in Goa, India.

By Air:

Goa International Airport (Dabolim Airport) is the nearest airport.

FAQs: