Tourism
of Goa
Wildlife
in Goa
Bondla
Wildlife Sanctuary38
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.
Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical
and rose gardens attract people throughout the year.
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.
Gaur
the state animal is frequently seen. The Panther is the largest carnivora
and the Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat are others. Herbivorous consist
of Deers (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse) Wild Boar, Porcupines
Scaly Ant Eater, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The diminutive Flying lizard
(Draco) is fairly common.
Over a hundred species of birds are
residents. The State Bird (Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul) can be seen... and
the Common Grey Hornbill and Golden Backed Woodpecker are daily visitors to
the Garden.
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.
Nature Trails: For the
more energetic the Nature Trails provide information simultaneously
affording opportunities to see nature as it is.
About
Goa