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.
