Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, in Sanguem taluka, South Goa district, Goa, is the quiet forest side of a state most people know only for its beaches. It sits in the Sahyadri (the Western Ghats) and protects a stretch of evergreen and moist-deciduous forest, the source-streams of the Netravali river, two walk-in waterfalls, and a village lake that sends up bubbles when you clap. This guide covers what you can see, how to reach it, the season to pick, and the fees and rules as of October 2026.
Netravali is a Western Ghats wildlife sanctuary in Sanguem taluka, South Goa, covering 211.05 sq km of forest according to the Goa Forest Department. It is best visited between October and March, reached by road from Margao (about 45 km), and known for the Budbudyache Tollem bubble lake and the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls.
Key takeaways
- Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary spans 211.05 sq km in Sanguem taluka, South Goa, and is the state’s largest sanctuary, per the Goa Forest Department and RoundGlass Sustain.
- The best months are October to March for walking and birding; the monsoon (June–September) fills the waterfalls but brings leeches and slippery trails.
- The Goa Forest Development Corporation runs a jeep safari to the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls; its online booking lists a total of ₹570 per jeep (entry, jeep, convenience fee and GST), as of October 2026 — reconfirm before you travel.
- Reach it by road from Margao (about 45 km, roughly one hour); the nearest railheads are Kalem (Kulem) and Sanvordem–Curchorem, and the nearest airport is Dabolim, about 73 km away.
- The Budbudyache Tollem, a centuries-old village tank beside the Gopinath temple, releases rising bubbles that increase when visitors clap — a phenomenon locals explain through belief and that remains unconfirmed by any single scientific study.
About Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary covers 211.05 sq km in Sanguem taluka, in the south-east of South Goa district, according to the Goa Forest Department. It borders Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to the north and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to the east, which makes it part of a near-continuous protected belt along the Western Ghats.
The Forest Department describes the vegetation as mainly moist-deciduous, with patches of semi-evergreen forest in the valleys and grassy clearings on the higher hills that feed herbivores. RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife publication, reports the sanctuary was declared in 1999 alongside Mhadei, and calls it Goa’s largest sanctuary.
The Netravali (also written Neturli) river rises inside the sanctuary and is a tributary of the Zuari, so the forest doubles as a watershed for the district downstream. On its listed wildlife, the Forest Department names leopard, giant squirrel, mouse deer, Nilgiri wood pigeon and Ceylon frogmouth. RoundGlass Sustain adds gaur (the Indian bison), king cobra, the endemic Malabar pit viper and Malabar grey hornbill among roughly 50 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Sanguem taluka, South Goa district, Goa |
| Area | 211.05 sq km (Goa Forest Department) |
| Declared | 1999, with Mhadei (per RoundGlass Sustain) |
| Forest type | Moist-deciduous with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches |
| Headline sights | Budbudyache Tollem bubble lake, Savari and Mainapi waterfalls, Gopinath temple |
| Nearest town | Sanguem; Margao for services (about 45 km) |
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is October to March, when the rain has eased, trails are walkable and birding is at its best. The forest stays green well after the monsoon, and daytime temperatures are mild, so this window suits most travellers who want to walk to the waterfalls or spend a morning at the bubble lake.
The monsoon, which runs roughly June to September in Goa, is when the Savari and Mainapi falls are fullest. It is also when trails turn muddy, leeches appear and gates may close on heavy-rain days, so it rewards prepared walkers more than casual visitors. RoundGlass Sustain notes the monsoon is the season for orchids, frogs and snakes, while winter is best for birds.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon and winter | October–February | Green forest, walkable trails, best birding; the recommended window |
| Early summer | March | Still pleasant in the forest shade; waterfalls thinning |
| Hot and dry | April–May | Warm; falls low or dry; fewer visitors |
| Monsoon | June–September | Full waterfalls but leeches, slippery paths and possible closures |
How to reach Netravali
Netravali is reached by road from Margao, about 45 km away and roughly an hour’s drive, since no regular public transport runs to the sanctuary. Most visitors drive, ride a two-wheeler or hire a taxi, approaching through Sanguem and the Vichundrem–Verlem side of the taluka. RoundGlass Sustain confirms there is no scheduled bus to the forest gates.
By rail, the nearest railheads are Kalem (Kulem), which serves the Sanguem side, and Sanvordem–Curchorem on the Guntakal–Vasco da Gama line; Margao is the larger station most long-distance trains use. By air, Dabolim (Goa International Airport) is about 73 km away, and the newer Mopa (Manohar International) airport in North Goa is farther. Our broader Goa travel guide explains the two airports and the main rail routes into the state.
| From | Mode | Distance / time |
|---|---|---|
| Margao | Road | About 45 km, roughly 1 hour |
| Dabolim (Goa International) airport | Road | About 73 km, roughly 2 hours (per RoundGlass Sustain) |
| Panaji | Road | About 80 km (per Outlook Traveller) |
| Kalem (Kulem) / Sanvordem–Curchorem | Rail then road | Nearest railheads; taxi onward |
Top things to see and do
The three things most people come for at Netravali are the Budbudyache Tollem bubble lake, the Savari waterfall and the Mainapi waterfall, with the Gopinath temple and the village rounding out an unhurried day. Each sits a short distance apart, and the waterfalls lie inside the forest gates.
Budbudyache Tollem (the bubble lake). This is a centuries-old freshwater tank in Netravali village, beside the Gopinath temple, that sends up streams of bubbles from its bed; the bubbles increase when visitors clap or call out, according to Outlook Traveller. The magazine notes the phenomenon is attributed locally to belief — villagers speak of a deity’s breath or of Krishna answering the claps — while proposed explanations about trapped gases and sound vibration remain unconfirmed by any single study. Treat it as an unexplained local wonder, not settled science. It is reported open daily 8 am–6:30 pm.
Savari waterfall. Savari is a forest waterfall reached by a short walk of about 2 km with stepped sections from the main gate, per RoundGlass Sustain. The Goa Forest Development Corporation (GFDC) also runs a jeep safari to it.
Mainapi waterfall. Mainapi (also spelled Mynapi) involves a longer trail of about 4.5 km that can be muddy, so it suits fitter walkers; it too is on the GFDC jeep-safari route.
Gopinath temple. The village temple, dedicated to Krishna, is believed to be several centuries old, with architecture that Outlook Traveller links to the Shilahara and Kadamba periods and later renovation by King Jayakeshi I. Dress modestly, as at any working shrine.
| Spot | What it is | Access / time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Budbudyache Tollem | Bubbling village tank by the temple | Roadside in village; reported 8 am–6:30 pm; 30–45 min |
| Savari waterfall | Forest waterfall | ~2 km walk or GFDC jeep; half a morning |
| Mainapi waterfall | Forest waterfall, longer trail | ~4.5 km walk or GFDC jeep; half a day |
| Gopinath temple | Centuries-old Krishna shrine | Village centre; 20–30 min |
A suggested two-day plan
Two unhurried days are enough to see Netravali’s highlights without rushing the forest. A single long day is possible from South Goa’s beaches, but staying a night near Sanguem lets you start at the gates when they open.
- Day 1: Drive in from Margao or the coast; settle into a homestay or spice farm near the sanctuary. In the afternoon, visit the Budbudyache Tollem and the Gopinath temple in the village, then walk the shorter forest edge before the light goes.
- Day 2: Enter early for the Savari waterfall walk (or book the GFDC jeep safari); return for lunch, then either attempt Mainapi if you are fit and the trail is dry, or drive on toward Cotigao or Mollem.
Where to stay
Stay options at Netravali are limited and lie mostly in and around Sanguem and the village, so book ahead, especially in the October–March season. There are no large resorts at the gates; the choice is small homestays, spice farms and the Forest Department’s rest house.
- Budget homestays and spice farms (indicative ₹1,500–₹3,500 a night, planning estimate — reconfirm): Family-run rooms near the sanctuary; RoundGlass Sustain names the Tanshikar Spice Farm about 3 km away as a comfortable option.
- Government rest house: The Forest Department lists a Forest Rest House at Sanguem, bookable through the Dy. Conservator of Forest (South Goa), Margao, on 0832-2756309.
- Mid-range on the coast (indicative ₹3,000–₹7,000, planning estimate — reconfirm): Palolem and Agonda beaches are about an hour away and offer a wider spread, per RoundGlass Sustain.
The GFDC has also announced cottages near the Mainapi and Savari waterfalls, introduced in January 2025 according to The Goan; confirm availability and rates with the corporation before relying on them.
Food to try
Food near Netravali is simple Goan home cooking rather than beach-shack fare, so eat where you stay or at the Sylvan canteen the forest corporation runs. Expect rice-based meals and fish or vegetable curries built on coconut and local spice.
- Fish curry rice (the everyday Goan plate of rice with a coconut-and-tamarind fish curry).
- Xacuti (a dark curry of chicken or mutton with roasted spices and coconut).
- Sol kadhi (a cooling pink drink of coconut milk and kokum fruit, served after a meal).
- Spice-farm meals at places like Tanshikar, where produce such as pepper, cardamom and vanilla is grown on site.
Budget breakdown
A simple two-day Netravali trip for two people can be done on a modest budget, since the forest fees are small and stays are inexpensive. The figures below are planning estimates for a self-driven or taxi trip from South Goa, dated October 2026 — reconfirm each line before you travel.
| Item | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forest entry / GFDC jeep safari | ₹570 per jeep | GFDC online total: ₹400 jeep + ₹100 entry + ₹50 convenience + ₹20 GST |
| Stay (1 night) | ₹1,500–₹3,500 | Homestay or spice farm near Sanguem |
| Food (2 days) | ₹1,200–₹2,000 | Home-style Goan meals |
| Transport | ₹2,000–₹4,000 | Taxi or fuel from the coast; no public buses to the gate |
| Indicative total | ₹5,300–₹10,100 | Excludes long-distance travel to Goa |
Permits, fees and forest rules
No special entry permit such as an Inner Line Permit applies to Netravali; you pay a forest entry fee at the gate and, if you book one, a jeep-safari charge. The GFDC’s online booking lists a total of ₹570 per jeep for its Savari or Mainapi safari, made up of a ₹400 jeep charge, ₹100 forest entry, ₹50 convenience fee and ₹20 GST, as of October 2026. RoundGlass Sustain separately reports an entry of ₹100 per person plus ₹100 per vehicle at the Matoni and Dhargini gates; figures vary by source, so treat these as indicative and reconfirm with the Forest Department or GFDC.
Standard forest rules apply: register at the check post, carry out all plastic and litter, keep noise down, do not feed or chase wildlife, and stay on marked trails. Drone use over a protected area needs permission; assume it is not allowed without written clearance. Start walks early so you return before the gates close in the evening.
Practical tips
The single most important practical point at Netravali is that there is little to no mobile network inside the sanctuary, so plan around being offline. Carry enough cash, since card and UPI acceptance is unreliable in the village and at the gates.
- Connectivity: Expect patchy or no signal in the forest; download maps and share your plan before you enter.
- Cash: The nearest reliable ATMs are in Sanguem and Margao; carry small notes for fees and food.
- Health and safety: The nearest hospitals are in Sanguem and Margao. In the monsoon, carry salt or anti-leech socks, and watch footing on wet rock.
- Wildlife helpline: The Forest Department lists a 24×7 South Goa wild-animal rescue line on 0832-2750246.
- Solo women travellers: The village is calm and the visit is a daytime, group-friendly outing; walk the forest trails with others or a local, start early and leave well before dusk.
- Packing by season: Light cottons, a hat and plenty of water in winter; quick-dry clothing, a rain layer and leech protection in the monsoon.
Nearby places
Netravali pairs naturally with the other forest reserves and temples of the Western Ghats belt, all within an easy drive. If you are building a longer loop, the Mollem and Cotigao sanctuaries and the Tambdi Surla temple are the obvious additions.
| Place | Distance (approx.) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park | North of Netravali | Larger reserve with the Dudhsagar falls and dense forest |
| Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary | East of Netravali | Quiet evergreen forest with a canopy watchtower |
| Tambdi Surla Mahadev temple | In the Mollem area | Goa’s oldest surviving stone temple, Kadamba-era |
| Palolem and Agonda beaches | About 1 hour | Coast base for stays and food |
For a coastal temple-town alternative just across the Karnataka border, our Gokarna travel guide covers beaches and pilgrimage sites within a few hours of South Goa, and the wider Goa travel guide helps you plan the rest of the state.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary located?
Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is in Sanguem taluka, South Goa district, Goa, in the south-east of the state along the Western Ghats. The Goa Forest Department records its area as 211.05 sq km. It borders Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary to the north and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to the east, forming part of a connected forest belt.
What is the Budbudyache Tollem bubble lake?
The Budbudyache Tollem is a centuries-old freshwater tank in Netravali village, beside the Gopinath temple, that releases rising bubbles which increase when visitors clap, according to Outlook Traveller. Locals explain it through belief rather than proven science; proposed physical explanations remain unconfirmed. It is reported open daily from 8 am to 6:30 pm.
What is the entry fee for Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Goa Forest Development Corporation’s online booking lists ₹570 per jeep for its Savari or Mainapi safari (₹400 jeep, ₹100 entry, ₹50 convenience fee, ₹20 GST), as of October 2026. RoundGlass Sustain separately reports ₹100 per person plus ₹100 per vehicle at the gate. Figures vary, so reconfirm with the Forest Department before visiting.
When is the best time to visit Netravali?
October to March is the best time to visit Netravali, with eased rain, walkable trails and strong birding. The monsoon, roughly June to September, makes the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls fullest but brings leeches, slippery paths and possible gate closures, so it suits prepared walkers rather than casual day visitors.
How do I reach Netravali from Margao?
Drive or take a taxi about 45 km from Margao, roughly an hour, through Sanguem toward the sanctuary, as no regular public transport runs to the gates. The nearest railheads are Kalem (Kulem) and Sanvordem–Curchorem, and the nearest airport is Dabolim, about 73 km away, per RoundGlass Sustain.
Are there safaris or guided walks at Netravali?
Yes. The Goa Forest Development Corporation runs a jeep safari to the Savari and Mainapi waterfalls, bookable online, with reported timings around 7 am to 4:30 pm, as of October 2026. You can also walk to the falls on marked forest trails. Confirm current safari availability and seating with the GFDC before you travel.
Last updated and sources
Go to Netravali if you want Goa’s forest rather than its sand: unhurried days, two walk-in waterfalls and a village lake of bubbles. Aim for October to March, carry cash, and reconfirm fees and gate timings before you set out.
Last updated: 19 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Goa Forest Department, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary pages (forest.goa.gov.in/node/1192, node/1175); Goa Forest Development Corporation, Jeep Safari to Savari & Mainapi Waterfalls (goafdc.goa.gov.in); The Goan, “Safari vehicles and cottages introduced at Netravali”, 11 January 2025 (thegoan.net); Outlook Traveller, on the Netravali bubbling lake and Gopinath temple (outlooktraveller.com); RoundGlass Sustain, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary guide (roundglasssustain.com). Accessed September 2026.
