Who is not enchanted by the colorful butterflies flying around them. Have we all not tried to catch them as kids? Have we not wondered at these fragile being that carry so many colors. Butterfly Conservatory of Goa is one family's effort to create a haven for butterflies...
Located on a remote hill in 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 and 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 upto 25 varieties.
An interesting corner of the sanctuary has been curiously named as 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.
Trees and flowers that attract butterflies have been planted in plenty.
Heblekar's are planning a walk in aviary next. They already have a small one where they have the colorful birds that can be legitimately bought and kept inside, but for the rest they are trying to create an environment that naturally attracts them to this conservatory like putting the right food for them and of course a green cover that they love.
Heblekar's also have a beautiful house next to this hill that has a green cover and a collection of cactus 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 : Rs 100/- per person
It takes a bit of effort to reach this place and public transport does not help much.
