The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the exquisite wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. It covers an area of 8 sq. km. and is located besides the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem. A wide variety of animal life can be encountered in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, including sambar deer, Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, Indian peafowl and many species of snakes. Bondla wildlife sanctuary is the abode for leopards, dancing bears and cobras. Bondla zoo is also popular for its successful breeding of gaur. Bondla wildlife sanctuary includes a Botanical garden and a fenced Deer park along with the Zoo with spacious enclosures. It serves as a good spot for picnics and excursions.
Flora and Fauna in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla was originally established as a zoological park a few years ago to provide shelter to orphaned animals but soon developed into a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of flora and fauna. The Bondla forest is famous for the varied species of animals such as the Sambhar and wild boar. Besides it is well-known for the variety of birds like the Grey Hornbill and the elephant rides that provide the much-needed entertainment to the tourists.
The hills to the south east of this forest are dominated by wild animals such as leopards, jackals, langurs, pythons, wild boars, bison and serpents, tigers, wild pigs, elephants, crocodile, snakes like King Cobras, Phyton, Gaur, bear, peacock, civlets, barking deer, sambar, fox, porcupine etc. Bondla wildlife sanctuary is also a very significant place in terms of `Rehabilitation centre` where the injured animals are taken care of and nursed back to health.
Other Places near Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
There are also other places to visit near the sanctuary like the mini zoological park, deer safari park, formal gardens and Botanical gardens. A small Nature Education Centre has also been established, which is generally used for viewing educational wildlife videos. Besides being home to animals, this preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly spotters.
Visiting Information to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary lies 10 km northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa, 52 kms from Panaji, and 38 kms from Margao. Kalem railway station is the nearest to Bondla wildlife sanctuary. To reach the place by road, one has to catch the National Highway 44.
