Sacred Groves

Bambar

The Sacred Grove located at Bambar in Sattari Taluka is the abode of rare medical plants. This forbidden spot is a refuge for a unique forest community and it is classified as Myristica Swamp Forests having great ecological significance.

The trees have unusal aerial roots which are analogous to pneumatophores or stilt roots of mangrove forests. The area of the grove is about 0.25 ha of undulating terrain and is situated 11 kms from the Goa - Karnataka border.

This grove is known to exist for the last 250 years and the reigning deity is the God ‘Nirankar’, who is worshipped by the people of three villages namely Maloli, Ustem and Nanode. Their deep rooted religious belief strengthened by the cult of nature workship, has ensured that the vegetation remained more or less untouched for the last 40 to 50 years.

People of these three villages used to assemble at the site during the years gone by to venerate the Lord “Nirankar” who is considered the ‘Rakshandar’ (Protector) of these villages. After the sacrifice, the ritual is performed and food is cooked, but only the male members eat the preparation. These customs and rituals have now been neglected due to the changing life style of the people and other pre-occupation for their material gains.

The natural vegetation of the area is of tropical hill forest dominated by evergreen broad leaved species. The floral composition of the grove shows the presence of the following plant species: Alstonia scholaris, Artocarpus hirsuta, Calamus thwaitesii, Calophyllum inophyllum, Combretum sp., Canarium strictum, Holigarna arnottiana, Holigarna grahamii, Hydnocarpus laurifolia, Lophopetalum wightianum, Machilus macrantha, Myristica malabarica, Piper nigrum, Stereospermum personatum, Osbeckia sp, Tetrameles nudiflora, etc. In addition, there are several species of algae, lichens, epiphytes and under growth plants which are yet to be identified.

One of the unique features of the trees in this habitat is the presence of numerous aerial roots in the shape of “U” arching over the mud. These roots resemble a knee when the leg is folded. The ecological significance of these peculiar knee roots is an adaptation or reaction to overcome environmental stress. Presumably this is two fold - one in which the plants overcome poor anchorage in a soft bed; and two ensuring root aeration when oxygen is not available in the soil. In either case it is analogous to the adaptations found in mangroves. The knee roots suggest the presence of an underground stream creating conditions similar to those of mangrove swamps.

How to reach: Bambar is located approximately 60 kms. from Panaji on the Valpoi-Nanode road and is easily accessible.

Whom to contact
Dy. Conservator of Forest, Research & Utilisation, Aquem, Margao-Goa Ph.: 711357

Dy. Conservator of Forest, North Goa Division, Ponda, Goa. Ph.: 312095

Nirancarachi Rai

It is an unique Micro-climatic ecosystem with Myristica Swamp forests located at Nanoda in Sattari taluka. It covers 0.2ha. Area duly protected from all the encroachments and disturbances by fence. It has characteristic of swamp forests, which is found at present only in Kerala State.

Nirancarachi Rai is a sacred grove which is comprising of about 19 different evergreen species and has the roots protruding out gaining inverted ‘U’ shaped which is a characteristic of myristica swamp forests. The place is also of great educational interest and worth seeing and studying the phenomena of nature.

Approach:- From Valpoi 15Kms Via Nagargao-Sattari.

Stay Facilities:- Forest Rest House Valpoi.

Bookings:- Dy Conservator of Forests, North Goa Division, Ponda.

Satpal Arboretum

The arboretum is located at Satpal village in the midst of natural forests which was established in 1974 and covers an area of 24.5ha. and has 84 Nos. of plots duly laid, demarcated and protected by laterite compound wall.

55 different species Indigenous and exotic, pulp wood, timber and ornamental species were planted to study the growth in that region. The same is now being converted into ‘Educational and environmental centre’. It is a source of knowledge regarding trees and nature.

To add to it a medicinal plant arboretum is also developed for study purpose Bamboo setum is also established.

The other activities like a small Children Park is developed. The soil and water conservation measures are also taken by construction of dams.

Approach:- From Panaji Via Mollem to Satpal - 60Kms.

Stay Facilities:- Forest Rest House Mollem.

Bookings:- Dy. Conservator of Forest, North Goa Division, Ponda-Goa.

See Also Other Attractions:

| Raj Bhavan | Rock-cut Caves | Islands of Chorao & Divar |
| Dona Paula | Fontainhas & São Tomé | Partgal Math |
| Sacred Groves | Secretariat | Budbudyanchi Tali |