Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Although it is the smallest of all the wildlife sanctuaries in Goa, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is also the most popular with children, families and eco-tourists. Its convenient location in the Ponda Taluka combined with its manageable size of just 8 sq. km; make it an ideal destination for a day trip. The sanctuary is well equipped to entertain both day trippers and overnight visitors.

In addition to the plethora of animal and plant life that one can experience within the sanctuary, there are also a number of other attractions including a zoo, deer safari park, botanical gardens and Nature Interpretation Centre.

Where to Go
This sanctuary is located in the Ponda Taluka of North Goa. It is easily accessible from both Panaji and Margao, being located 50km from Panjim and 38km from Margao. In fact there are tourist buses available to reach the sanctuary from both these places.

When to Go
With its abundance of sights and activities this sanctuary is an extremely popular place to visit throughout the year. Most tourists, especially eco-tourists flock here in the season from October to March, but the monsoon season is also held to be one of the best times to visit since the life-giving rains enhance the scenic beauty of the place.

The Bondla Wildlife park is open to visitors every day except Monday throughout the year from 9.00am to 5.00pm. The cost of admission for adults is Rs 5 and children Rs 2. Extra charges include Parking (Rs 10 for a two wheeler and Rs 50 for a four wheeler), Cameras (Rs 25) and video cameras (Rs 100).

Flora and Fauna
The area encompassed by this sanctuary in the Ponda Taluka is covered in moist deciduous forestation with a few patches of evergreen vegetation. Some of the common trees found here include the State tree of Goa Terminalia Crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood.

There are a number of animals that make their home in this place. They include the Gaur, Goa’s state animal, Sambhar deer, panther, jungle cat, leopard, toddy cat, wild boar, porcupine, scaly anteater, and the Malabar giant squirrel. There are watchtowers set up at strategic locations where one can observe the animals in their natural habitats.

The park also houses a number of birds. The most common amongst these include Ruby throated yellow bulbul, which is the state bird, the common grey hornbill and golden backed woodpecker. There are also a number of rare species that visit the park. The park rangers are more than happy to assist enthusiastic and budding ornithologists with the best vantage points from which the birds can be seen and photographed.