What, When, Where: A Guide To Spending A Day At Goa's Bondla Wildlife Sancuary

You are in Goa and have heard so much about the wildlife and forests there, but don’t want to do a 2 plus hour drive to one of the sanctuaries. Fret not, as Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, though the smallest one, is an hour’s drive away from most tourist spots in North Goa.

This place is more a zoo in a wildlife sanctuary. Located in Ponda, it is ideal for a day trip, though one can stay overnight too. It is a great place to visit throughout the year, due to the vast availability of flora and fauna.

Additionally, it has a deer safari park, a zoo, a botanical garden and loads of jungle trails to indulge in some bird-watching or animal sighting. They even have watchtowers at strategic locations, as well as the Nature Interpretation Centre & Rehabilitation Centre for Animals.

Of course, the chances of sighting animals are higher in the months of summer, but even the October to March months offer great trips. The admission fee is a minimal INR 5 for adults and it is open every day except Mondays from 9am to 5pm. They do charge extra for cameras or any other recording devices.

If you have wondered what is Goa’s state tree and thought it is the coconut tree, then a visit to this sanctuary will show you otherwise. You will sight the Terminalia Crenulata {or locally called Matti tree} here a lot, which also happens to be the state tree. You will also find lots of gaurs here, which happen to be the state’s animal, besides panthers, leopards, wild boars and of course the ruby throated yellow bulbul, which again, as you might have guessed, is the state bird. The park rangers here have a wealth of information and are the most helpful lot on your visits there.

Stop and visit the Mystic Meadows Butterfly Sanctuary on your way there.