Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

The
Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kms from Panaji and 38 Kms from Margao
and 20 Kms east of Ponda. It is more of a jungle resort with tourist cottages
available on site run by the Forest Department.
Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens
attract people throughout the year. 38 kms from Margao is the smaller of the
three wildlife sanctuaries of Goa - the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. More than
a sanctuary, it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school going
children and nature lovers.
The common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur and the Sambhar deer.
It is a popular destination for school picnics. It is closed on Thursdays. There
are tour buses that make a stop over at Bondla from Margao and Panaji.
The Sanctuary is just 8 sq. km. in size, located among hills at the junction
of three Talukas viz. Ponda, Sanguem and Sattari. It boasts of a Mini Zoo, Deer
Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and Eco-Tourism Cottages.
It is connected to Ponda as well as Molem by a good tar-road. Late evenings
and nights are very pleasant. Bondla is a Paradise for Eco-Tourists. The area
is covered with Moist Deciduous Forests, with small patches of Evergreens and
Canes along the nullahs.
The State Tree Terninalia crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood are common here. Others
are Lagerstroemia

(Naked
Maiden of the Forest / Nano), Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, Saraca indica etc. The
thorny bamboo Bambusa arundinacea and Giant Lianas (Entada) abound.
Gaur the state animal is frequently seen. The Panther is the largest carnivora
and the Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat are others. Herbivorous consist of
Deers (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse) Wild Boar, Porcupines Scaly
Ant Eater, and Malabar Giant Squirrel.
The diminutive Flying lizard (Draco) is fairly common. Over a hundred species
of birds are residents. The State Bird (Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul) can be
seen... and the Common Grey Hornbill and Golden Backed Woodpecker are daily
visitors to the Garden.
Deer Safari Park: Visitors can move among deers in vehicles inside the
sprawling Deer Safari Park housing Sambar and Spotted Deers.
Zoological Park: A tiny Zoo permits one to see the fauna of Goa in moated
enclosures with natural surroundings. Animal exhibts include, Panther, Lion,
Gaur, Sambar, Deers (Spotted, Hog & Barking ) Sloth Bear, Crocodiles, Reptiles
etc.
Formal Gardens: Spacious lawns, exotic trees, varieties of roses, and
colourful flowering plants in the middle of the forest do please the eye.
Botanic Gardens: The large collection of plants is of interest to students.
Nature Education Centre: The NEC houses several exhibits, which visitors
can see, feel and interpret. An attached Library provides details to the inquisitive,
and video and cine movies are screened on request.
Wild Animals: For those seeking greater adventure and excitement, we have
watch-towers where wild animals like Gaur, Sambar, Wild Boar can be seen at
water-holes.
Birds: Bondla is home to over a hundred bird species. For details on
bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.
Nature Trails: For the more energetic the Nature Trails provide information
simultaneously affording opportunities to see nature as it is.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, National Parks in India
Reservation Form