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.
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.