Location:
Border of Ponda and Sanguem district, North East Goa
Highlights: Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Deer Park, numerous
species of animals
Best Time to Visit: October to March
How to Reach: One can reach Bondla sanctuary by hiring a private
vehicle from Ponda or Sanguem as it is well connected by a wide network
of roads.
Spread over an area of around 8 square kilometers, the Bondla wildlife
sanctuary is the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa. The landscape of
the Bondla wildlife sanctuary is strikingly beautiful and the lush green
vegetation provides a natural ecosystem. The Bondla national park has a
Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Deer Park within its premises. One can
also opt for a jeep safari inside the deer park in the Bondla sanctuary.
This sanctuary is a favorite among school children who come here for
educational excursions. Hire a vehicle from either Ponda or Sanguem to
reach here. There is a Nature Education Center over here that shows
wildlife videos to tourists in order to provide vital information and
knowledge about the wildlife. The Bondla sanctuary remains closed on
Thursdays.
Flora
The forest cover of Bondla wildlife sanctuary consists of moist
deciduous forests and evergreen vegetation patches. One can find bamboo
plantations along with trees like Terninalia Crenulata also known as
Matti, Rosewood, Lagerstroemia, Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, etc.
Fauna
The Bondla wildlife sanctuary has numerous species of animals. A zoo
was established here some years back that used to provide shelter to
injured wild animals or abused animals like snakes, bears, etc. The wild
animals that are housed here include Panthers, Jungle Cats, Leopard
Cats, various species of Deer (Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer,
Barking Deer and Mouse Deer), Wild Boar, Crocodiles, Snakes and Malabar
Giant Squirrels. One can also view numerous bird species like
woodpeckers, kingfishers, hornbills, etc.
