Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Usgao, at the junction of Ponda, Sanguem and Sattari talukas. Bondla's moist deciduous forests interspersed with evergreen are the habitat of a wide variety of flora and fauna. Bondla is the least rugged of Goa's sanctuaries, with manicured gardens to boot. Its proximity to Ponda's temple trail ensures that it has lots of visitors.

Things to See and Do

Walk through the spacious green lawns of the well-tended botanical and formal gardens and admire the large variety of plants. If you have time, check out the exhibits at the Nature Education Centre. As you walk over an arched wooden bridge to the mini zoon, be soothed by the sound of gurgling stream below.

Animals
Here are a number of animals like wild boar, bison, porcupines, jackals, panthers, peacocks, sloth bear, snakes and intriguingly named toddy cat. In the crocodile enclosure, watch as the crocs clamber out of the water and drape themselves over the rocks to bask in the sun.

Elephant Rides
The twice-daily elephant rides are a favourite attention for kids and adults alike. Someone here obviously has a sense of humour, for next to a pile of elephant dung, there is a board that reads, 'Fresh (elephant) Cakes.

Nature Trails
Bondla's interesting nature trails give you the chance to experience nature at its unfettered best. As you wander along, you may well spot a giant red Malabar squirrel scurry up a matti tree trunk and pause for a few moments on a branch, its rust-red body and big bushy red-and-white tail creating a delightful picture. The matti is Goa's state tree.

Birdwatching
Bondla is good for bird-watching too, with possibilities of sighting the ruby throated yellow bulbul, brown fish owl, oriental dwarf kingfisher and the Indian scimitar babbler.

Where to Stay and Eat

Bondla is a good place to unwind and watch birds. But if you're a die-hard wildlife enthusiast needing a sanctuary experience, Mollem offers more. Still, the Forest Department offers 8 double-bedded cottages and 2 dormitories.

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