Discover the Forests of Goa Netravali: A Visual Photo Story in 15 Best Photographs

You walk beneath a thick canopy of leaves, sunlight filtering through in dappled patterns. The air is cool and humid, filled with the scent of damp earth and a chorus of birdsong accompanies you all the way. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

You might spot ancient Teak, Crocodile bark, and Kokum trees. The Kokum tree is known for its distinctive fruit, the Kokum, whose sherbet makes for a refreshing drink. It is also used in various Goan dishes and is an important ingredient in local cuisine. These trees contribute majorly to the biodiversity of the forest. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

The forest floor is covered with a thick layer of undergrowth, you'll find shade-tolerant species like ferns, mosses, and certain types of shrubs that are well-adapted to low-light conditions. Trekkers love observing these plants and their interesting patterns. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Walking through Netravali is like entering a hidden botanical paradise. You will come across various species of fungi that play a crucial role in nutrient cycling within the forest. You’ll find some of them growing on wood. They feed on dead or decaying wood, break them down, and return the nutrients to the soil. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Look out for funnel spiders along the trail. You’ll definitely come across many of them as they thrive in moist, humid environments. You’ll notice their webs hidden under rocks, logs, or leaves with a funnel-shaped entrance. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Here’s a lovely photo of the Rustic butterfly. The orange-brown wings with the yellow patch makes it easy to spot. They can often be seen flying around flowers and puddles. Photo by Megha Gupta

Keep an eye out and observe, you might be able to spot some fascinating anthills during your trek. Pay attention to the ground as you walk, you might come across anthills of varying size and shape, some with very complex structures. Photo by Megha Gupta

Here are some wonderful shots of the diverse species found in the Netravali forest. While there are many birds and insects that can be commonly spotted, the Malabar Grey Hornbill is one of the rarest, and difficult to spot as they easily camouflage with the dense forest cover. They have a distinctive appearance with a large beak, and they tend to make loud cackling sounds. Perhaps you'll be rewarded with a sighting! Photos by Megha Gupta

The trek starts at the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary gate and goes through the forest to the Savri waterfalls. The forest changes from deciduous trees to bamboo groves and finally you descend toward the waterfall, you start getting views of the upper layers of the Savri Waterfalls. Here’s a photo that gives you a glimpse of the waterfall from a distance. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

Trekkers feel rejuvenated at the sight of the waterfall, after a long walk through the forest. The waterfall creates a natural pool at its base, perfect for swimming or simply soaking in the cool water, so do not miss out on spending some time here and getting the experience of a natural fish spa! Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

You drive through some of the most interior villages in Goa to reach the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary Base Campus. The road will pass through several charming Goan villages and you’ll likely encounter some winding roads and scenic landscapes. Photo by Pritish Bhanushali

The base camp is situated within the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, which is away from the light pollution of cities and towns. Hence it improves the visibility of stars and it is a great experience to stargaze through the night, locating constellations and planets, especially during the dry season. Photo by Abin Asokan

In the initial sections of the trek, you walk through the teak forests and enter into the grasslands before the steep climb to the summit. The trail is filled with many natural elements like termite mounds and ant hills. This region is known to be inhabited by leopards but they’re hard to spot as they’re solitary and elusive creatures. Photo from Indiahikes archive

“I felt like I was back in my childhood days, climbing trees and walking in the wild,” shares Samidha, an Indiahikes trekker. Photo by Abin Asokan

After a challenging climb, the view of the Salaulim Dam is a treat to the eyes! The view comes as a surprise, as you don’t get to see it until you reach the highest point. While you’re at the summit, if you’re lucky, you might spot the Indian Swiflet. They are renowned for their incredible and swift flight. They can dart and weave through the air with remarkable precision. Photo from Indiahikes archive