Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary-Goa

Though Goa is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and famous churches. One third of the landscape of Goa is covered with forests and thick vegetation. These woodlands are home to 48 species of animals, 275 species of birds and around 60 reptile species.

Presently there are six wildlife sanctuaries in Goa-The Bondla Wildlife sanctuary at Bondla, The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem, The Cotigao Wlidlife Sanctuary at Cotigao, The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao Island, At Madei, At Netravali and The Mollem national park at Mollem.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary:

Tiger, Bondala Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa Wildlife TourIts 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 children and nature lovers.

The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kms from Panaji and 38 Kms from Margao and 20 Kms east of Ponda. The common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur and the Sambhar deer. It is closed on Thursdays. The Sanctuary boasts of a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and Eco-Tourism Cottages.

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.

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 and Barking ) Sloth Bear, Crocodiles, Reptiles etc.

Deer Safari Park:

Visitors can move among deers in vehicles inside the sprawling Deer Safari Park housing Sambar and Spotted Deers.

Formal Gardens:

Spacious lawns, exotic trees, varieties of roses, and colourful flowering plants in the middle of the forest do please the eye.

Leopard, Bondala Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa Wildlife TourBotanic Gardens: The large collection of plants is of interest to students.

Birds:

Bondla is home to over a 100 bird species. For details on bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.

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.

Must visit….