Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
A mangrove sanctuary on Chorao Island for birdwatching by small boat through the creeks, just a few kilometers from Panaji.
The sanctuary lies at the western tip of Chorao Island in the Mandovi River and is named after Salim Ali, India's famed ornithologist. Covering less than 2 square km, it has some of Goa's most concentrated mangrove ecosystems. Visitors can walk the wooden boardwalks or hire a local boatman to paddle a canoe through the mangrove channels at high tide. Along the way you may see kingfishers, herons, egrets, crocodiles and fiddler crabs, and migratory birds visit in winter. From Ribandar, east of Panaji, a free car ferry crosses the river in about 5 minutes. Entry and boat fees are modest. Early morning or evening at high tide is best, and remember to bring mosquito repellent.
Opening hours
About 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
- Fontainhas, Panaji
- Divar Island
- Reis Magos Fort
- Churches and Convents of Old Goa
- Dona Paula
- Mapusa Friday Market
- Fort Aguada