Goa attracts all including wildlife enthusiasts. There are numerous
wildlife sanctuaries in Goa where you may find umpteen number of endangered
animal species besides virgin treasure of natural beauty. Bondla Wildlife
Sanctuary is smallest of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries. Located up in
green-covered foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is the home to Sambhar
and Wild Boar. Spread in a wide area of 8-sq-km, it is very easily
accessible. This wildlife sanctuary is situated 55-km from Panajim and 38-km
from Margoa. It houses a Botanical Garden, fenced Deer Park and a Zoo. The
zoo is rated the best in the area having enough spacious enclosures.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary is a suitable destination for a trip with whole
family. As you walk along, you may spot a giant red Malabar squirrel, a wild
Boar, a Sambar or several other wildlife. An archaeological exhibit in the
form of a statue of the deity Gajalaxmi. You can also check out the
collections at the Nature Education centre.
You can also watch the crocodiles as they clamber themselves out of the
water and rest over the rocks in the sun. Bondla is also good for
bird-watching too. It really enthralls to hear the chirping of large variety
of birds including Indian scimitar babbler, Brown fish owl, Oriental dwarf
Kingfisher and Ruby throated yellow bulbul.
Established originally to house orphaned animals, the zoo is now a breeding
colony for large species of deer. Covering 8-sq-km of deciduous forest,
Bondla is a miniature zoo of sort housing caged animals and birds. A popular
picnic destination for locals, Bondla zoo offers elephant rides as a major
attraction.
The Fauna
Wild Boar, Monkeys, Deer, Langurs, Gaur, Jackals, Leopards and Pythons are
residing fearlessly in the hills of southeast. This is also another
bird-watching haven, quite similar to its counterparts at Chorao and
Cotigao. Two rivers flow very near the forest - Rangado river on the east
and Madhel on its north. Bison, Deer, Wild Beer, Leopard, birds and various
types of serpent are also found here at Bondla forests. You can also visit
the only mosque Safa Shahouri Masjid on the way. Built by Ali Adilshah in
1560, this monument can be seen at Ponda.
Location
Located in Ponda Taluka in Central Goa, 20 km from Mollem, 52 km from
Panaji
Best Season
October to March
9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday closed (Garden and Zoo)
Entry Fee
Adult Rs 5, Child Rs 2 (extra charges for camera and vehicles)
Two wheelers Rs 10, Cars Rs 50, Mini buses/Vans Rs 100
Elephant Rides Rs 80 per ride (4 persons)
How to Reach
Dabolim Airport is just 50 km from this wildlife sanctuary. You can ride a
bus or hire a taxi to reach the sanctuary. Its nearest railhead is Margao
(36 km) which is well-linked with the other major destinations of the
country. You can hire a taxi to reach Bondla then onwards. You also can
access Panaji (52 km) to reach Bondla.
