Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Birds: Bondla is home to over a hundred 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.
Nature Trails: For the more energetic the Nature Trails provide information
simultaneously affording opportunities to see nature as it is.
