Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

The Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary covers mangrove forest on the western tip of Chorao island in the Mandovi River, close to Panaji. It was declared a sanctuary in 1988 and named after Salim Ali, India's best-known ornithologist. The sanctuary is small, at under 2 square kilometres, but its mangroves are rich in birdlife. Visitors can see kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, kites and many migratory birds in winter. Mudskippers, fiddler crabs and occasionally crocodiles can also be seen in the creeks. The best way to explore is by canoe or small boat through the mangrove channels, and there is also a walkway with a watchtower. Chorao is reached by a short ferry ride from Ribandar. It is worth the trip for an easy and peaceful nature outing close to the capital.