Butterflies still rule the roost in Goa’s hinterland, so much so that innovative butterfly lovers have set up butterfly parks, which are emerging as an interesting draw for tourists and locals alike.
The Butterfly Conservatory Goa started by the Heblekar family has an interesting range of flappy butterflies right from the Common Rose, Crimson Rose, Blue Bottle, Common Jay, Common Mime, Imperial, Spot Sword Tail, Lime Butterfly and of course the biggest butterfly in India, the Southern Birdwing. Other endemic species like the Malabar Banded Peacock and Blue Oakleaf can also be sighted if you get lucky, during the friendly tours conducted at the park. There are around 130 species of butterflies, which have been documented in the park as well as around it.
The best time to visit the Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is between October and February.
The Atreya Vedic Farm, spread across 36 acres, located on the edge of the Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great spot to catch butterflies in spring.
Catching up on the potential of butterflies to benefit both, the environment and tourism, the state forest department is also in the process of setting up a butterfly park at the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary spread over 5,000 metres which is expected to be home to around 40 species of butterflies.
What: Butterfly Conservatory Goa
Where: Pisgal, Priol, Goa
# +919822125474
What: Atreya Vedica Farm
Where: Bondu Mol, Molem, Goa
# 918322287747
