Last Updated on October 3, 2023 by Augustin Fernandes
The famous Bondla wildlife sanctuary in Goa is the only zoological park that can be seen here and hence is quite famous. It is located in the Northeastern part of Goa in the taluka of Ponda.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Information
Bondla zoo is a very popular and liked destination for tourists as well as children who love animals.
There are other parks in Goa, such as the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and Mahaveer national park, but what makes Bondla stand out from these other two is the fact that it has a zoo and other attractions as well.
The Bondla Wildlife zoo is not only for children who love to watch wildlife and listen to the birds chirping, it is for nature lovers as well, since there is a lot to explore around once you get there.
The sanctuary is covered with moist deciduous forest and evergreen vegetation all over.
The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 52 Km away from Panaji and around 38 km away from Margao and 20 Kms east of Ponda, making it easily accessible for tourists to get there.
The place is more of a jungle resort with tourist cottages available on its site, which are run by the Forest Department at Goa.
At the Bondla Sanctuary, visitors will experience a lot of animals and plant life within the walls of its sanctuary.
Places to visit in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
There are also a number of other attractions including a zoo as mentioned earlier, a deer safari park, botanical gardens, and a Nature Interpretation Centre.
We will give a briefing of each of these attractions below:-
1. Zoo
The Bondla Zoo exists within the larger area of the wildlife park and is home to a number of animals.
These include Tigers, elephants, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Deers, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Reptiles, and many more.
2. Botanical Gardens
These beautiful gardens around the area at the Bondla Sanctuary are enjoyed and viewed by nature and flower lovers.
There is a number of rare tree and plant species that make these gardens a special place for students to learn about botany and nature.
The beautiful and colorful flowers in the gardens make it a wonderful site to visit.
3. Deer Safari Park
There are several species of deer that visitors will see at the deer safari at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.
The most common amongst these include spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer, and the mouse deer, which is also known as Chevrotain.
4. Nature Trails
For the people who like to view nature at close range, there are a number of hiking and trekking trails across the wildlife Sanctuary.
These tours are conducted by guides who will teach you the different species of flora and fauna that you may encounter while on your trek.
5. Rehabilitation Centre
The preservation of the environment is essential and hence the wildlife Sanctuary of Bondla at Ponda acts as the rescue center that tends to wounded animals, especially leopards that have come into too close a range of human habitation.
6. Nature Education Centre
Besides the vast number of exhibits that the center possesses, there is also a well-stocked library attached to the Park, and movies/documentaries can also be screened on request.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fee
Entry fees for entering into the sanctuary for adults is Rs 5 and children Rs 2.
Extra charges include Parking (Rs 10 for a two-wheeler and Rs 50 for a four-wheeler), Cameras (Rs 25), and video recording devices will be charges (Rs 100).
Best Time to Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit is from October to March, however, visiting during the monsoons brings a special feel to the place.
The Bondla Wildlife Park is open to visitors every day except Monday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
How to reach the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Sanctuary is located in the Northeastern part of Goa in the taluka of Ponda. It is easily accessible from Panaji and Margao
From Margao:
Margao to Ponda, Ponda to Usgao, and then to Bondla.
This will take around 36 km (an hour to reach by road).
From Panjim:
Panjim to Ponda to Usgao to Bondla.
This 52 km. the road may take around 1 and half hours to reach Bondla.
You can hire a taxi, rent a bike or rent a car too.
Bondla wildlife sanctuary contact number
Contact Number : 0832-2437132 / 2437728
Guideline for visiting Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bondla wildlife sanctuary is a no-plastic zone. Don’t throw plastic bottle and wrappers in the sanctuary area
- Do not disturb the animals.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Don’t forget to carry your cameras to capture some beautiful movements
Places to visit near Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
1.Sahakari Spice Farm
Sahakari Spice Farm is extremely popular amongst tourists for its rich cultural heritage. Located at Kurti, in the taluka of Ponda.
2. Mangeshi Temple (11.81 km from Sanctuary)
Shri Mangeshi Temple is located at Ponda in the village of Mangeshi in Priol. The Temple is one of the largest temples in Goa
3. Tambadi Surla Mahadev Temple (15.59 km Sanctuary)
The Mahadev Temple of Tambdi Surla is a temple constructed in the 12th century. It is a temple built as a dedication toward the Hindu Lord Shiva.
Conclusion
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a place where you will find and see different species of birds, animals, and flora and fauna.
It’s a place that every child should visit as most children are fascinated by animals.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best sanctuaries to visit and is worth visiting by nature lovers and animal fanatics.
Which animals are there in Bondla wildlife sanctuary?
The Bondla Zoo exists within the larger area of the wildlife park and is home to a number of animals. These include Tigers, elephants, Panther, Gaur, Sambar, Deers, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Reptiles, and many more.
How do I get to Bondla wildlife sanctuary?
Sanctuary is located in the Northeastern part of Goa in the taluka of Ponda. It is easily accessible from Panaji (52 km) and Margao (36 km)
