Who is not enchanted by the colourful butterflies flying around them? Have we all not tried to seize them as kids? Have we no longer questioned these fragile being’s that raise so many colours? The Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is one family’s effort to create a haven for butterflies…
The Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is a butterfly sanctuary and garden in the Ponda district of Goa. Spread over 4000 rectangular metres, it is designed as vicinity to stroll and take in the serene splendour of nature. In the giant expanses of the garden, one can take a leisurely walk and study over a hundred unique species of butterflies from shut quarters.
Located on a remote hill in the Ponda district of Goa, this conservatory is designed as a sanctuary and not as a zoo. It was a barren hill a few years back. The efforts of Jyoti & Yashodhan Heblekar have converted it into a forest complete with a stream flowing through it.
They have documented close to 100 species of butterflies in this sanctuary. But at any point in time, you can view up to 25 varieties.
An interesting corner of the butterfly conservatory of Goa sanctuary has been curiously named The Butterfly Pub. A place primarily visited by the male butterflies – instead of a bar, it is a mud puddle, though. Apparently, this is where the males come before mating.
Flowering Trees and plants that attract Butterflies have been planted, aplenty in the conservatory.
Heblekar’s are planning a walk in the aviary next. They already have a small one, where they have the colorful birds that can be legitimately bought and kept inside. For the rest, they are trying to create an environment that naturally attracts birds to this conservatory. Like putting the right food for them and of course, a green cover that they love.
The Heblekars also have a beautiful house next to this hill that has a green cover and a collection of cactuses on top. The roof of the house is like a garden where you can sit and admire the butterfly hill from a distance.
Entry Fee is Rs 100/- per person
It takes a bit of effort to reach this place and public transport does not help much.
