Location : Located 10 km northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in North Goa; 52 km from Panaji.
Best Time to Visit : November to March
Main Attractions : Gaurs, Panthers, Leopard Cats, botanical garden, deer safari park, zoo.
Spread over an area of 8 sq. km., the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife reserves in Goa. Due to its relatively small area, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is known more as a wildlife resort than a sanctuary. Within its confines, the Bondla sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, deer safari park and a zoo, initially established as a refuge for injured or orphaned animals.
The zoo provides a glimpse of the animal species found in the sanctuary while the botanical garden houses a large variety of exotic plants. The Nature Education Center in the sanctuary is an effort to bring nature close to people. Apart from a number of exhibits, the library of the center screens video and cine movies to tourists and young kids.
Flora
The luxuriant vegetation of the sanctuary comprises of moist deciduous forests interspersed with patches of evergreens and canes along the nullahs. The common tree varieties of the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary include Matti, rosewood, Lagerstroemia (Nano), Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, and thorny bamboo plantations.
Fauna
The Bondla sanctuary is home to a multitude of animal species including Gaurs, Panthers, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats, Deer (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse), Wild Boar, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The bird species consist of Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbuls, Common Grey Hornbills and Golden Backed Woodpeckers.
How to Reach
By Air : The nearest airport is Dabolim (80km).
By Rail : Margao (38 km) is the nearest railhead.
By Road : Tour buses from Margao and Panaji usually halt at Bondla. The sanctuary is connected to Ponda (20 km) as well as Mollem by a good tar-road.