Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Factfile
Location : Located in Ponda Taluka in Central Goa, 20 kms from Mollem and 52 kms from Panaji.
Area : 8 sq. km
Major Attractions : Gaur, Sambar, Monkeys, Wild Boar, Langurs, Jackals,
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Timings : 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 vehicle.
Camera Charges : Still Camera Rs. 25, Video Camera Rs. 100.
Vehicle Entry : Two wheelers Rs. 10, Cars Rs. 50, Mini buses/ Vans Rs. 100.
Elephant Ride Fees : Rs. 80 per ride (4 persons)

Introducing Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are a die-hard wildlife enthusiasts and are looking for a wonderful sanctuary experience, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a good place for you.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Usgao, at the junction of Ponda, Sanguem and Sattari talukas. The smallest of the Goan Wildlife Sanctuaries, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 8 sq. Kms and is located 3000 ft. above on the lush foothills of the Western Ghats. A nature lovers' paradise. Bondla will tempt you with its lush forest, botanical garden, rose garden, fenced deer park, mini zoo and elephant rides. Rangado river flows on the east and Mandovi river is on the north of the forest.

If you are planning a family trip, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal place. Bondla's fantastic nature trails provide you a chance to experience the nature at its best. As you wander along, you may spot a giant red Malabar squirrel, a Wild Boar, a Sambar or several other wildlife. The sanctuary also has an archaeological exhibit in the form of a statue of the diety Gajalaxmi. If you have time, check out the collections at the Nature Education centre.

Flora of the Sanctuary
Vegetation of Bondla mainly comprises deciduous forests interspersed with evergreen forests. Take a walk through the spacious green lawns of the well-maintained Botanical and rose gardens and admire a variety of plants.
Fauna of the Sanctuary
Walk along the nature in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, there are good chances that you might spot a Sambar or a Wild Boar. As you reach the mini zoo, the sound of a gurgling stream will soothe your mind. Here you can see a number of animals like Bison, Wild Boar, Deer, Gaur, Porcupines, Jackals, Leopards, Peacocks, Sloth Bear, Pythons and Toddy Cat.

In the crocodile enclosure, watch the crocodiles as they clamber themselves out of the water and rest over the rocks in the sun. In addition to wildlife viewing Bondla is good for bird-watching too. You can spot a variety of birds that include Brown fish owl, Ruby throated yellow bulbul, Indian scimitar babbler and Oriental dwarf kingfisher.

Activities You Can Take Part In
Elephant Rides : Elephant rides are a major attraction for children and adults alike. You can enjoy elephant rides within the sanctuary which are organized twice daily.

Nearby Attractions
Safa Shahouri Masjid (Mosque) : Before reaching Bondla, step in Safa Shahouri Masjid in Ponda. Built by Adil Shah in 1560, the original mosque was destroyed in the hand of Portuguese and a new one was built up again in its place.

Where to Stay
For accommodation, the Forest Department offers 8 double-bedded cottages and 2 dormitories which you have to book through the Bondla Range Forest Office or the main Forest Office in Panaji.

How to Reach
Dabolim Airport is 50 kms away from Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. From the airport you have to take taxi or bus to reach the sanctuary. Margao (36 kms) is the nearest railhead, which has trains from important places of the country. From Margao, a taxi will take you to Bondla vis Ponda, Tiska, Usgao and Gajnem. Panaji is 52 kms away, taxis and buses are available for Bondla. To reach the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary follow the same routes as for Mollem, but turn off NH 4 A at Tiska.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Packages

	Goa Tour in India (05 Days) Features : While you are on Goa tour in India, you can undertake the optional trip of Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated en-route to South Goa, Bondla is home to a variety of wild animals like Gaur, Sambar, Monkeys, Wild Boar, Langurs, Jackals etc. Spend a few hours here, click some wildlife photographs and return to your home with lifetime memories.

India by Day & Night (31 Days) Features : On day 18, India by Day and Night tour gives you a chance to visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Ponda Taluka, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter to large number of wild animals and bird species. Take a trip to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and see a wide array of wild animals such as Gaur, Sambar, Monkeys, Wild Boar, Langurs, Jackals etc. You can also enjoy a ride on the back of a huge elephant.

Rajasthan Heritage & Goa (22 Days) Features : Rajasthan Heritage and Goa takes you to the wildlife sanctuaries and parks of Goa. On 19th day of this tour, you can visit the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides shelter to large number of wild animals and bird species. Explore Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary on Rajasthan Heritage and Goa tour and see wild animals like Wild Boar, Monkeys, Langurs, Gaur, Sambar and Jackals.

Best of South India (13 Days) Features : Blessed with a rich variety of forests, Goa is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and parks which preserve abundant habitat of wild animals as well as birds. On Best of South India tour, you may visit the five attractive wildlife sanctuaries namely Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.