Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa – Timings, Entry Fees, Nearby Attractions

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa – A Complete Guide. Travelling to a place amidst nature is absolutely refreshing as well as adventurous. India is a diverse land with diversity in flora, fauna and wildlife.

For years it has protected the tiny and magnanimous lives that have lived on its earth. Home to thousands of animal and plant species, India is one of the most beautiful countries wrapped in nature.

Home to numerous zoos, sanctuaries, forests and national parks, India is a green country with flourishing vegetation. An example of such a diverse habitat of wildlife is the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary that is not only a place offering great adventure but also a place of immense serenity located amidst nature.

About Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

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Located in Goa’s Ponda Taluka, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected place for wild animals.

Though it spans an area of about 8 square kilometres, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist spot in Goa, especially for people looking for a day’s break. School children and students love spending their weekends in Bondla due to its compact layout.

The Wildlife Sanctuary is home to numerous wounded animals like leopards and smuggled, illegally used animals like monkeys, cobras and bears. It helps these animals to come back to normal “wildlife”. This is one of the commendable steps taken up by the authorities of the sanctuary.

The Wildlife is covered by moist deciduous forests and some evergreen vegetation. The fauna includes Gaur, Sambhar Deer, Panther, Leopard, Toddy Cat, Jungle Cat, Indian Boar, Mugger Crocodile, Bengal Tiger, Russell’s viper, Rock Python, Black Buck, Rhesus Macaque, Spitting Cobra, etc.

Also read 6 Popular Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa

Attractions of Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Apart from the vast diversity of flora and fauna that Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary offers plenty of other attractions to its visitors. You can take your kids and influence them with immense knowledge about nature and animals.

Zoo

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary also has a small zoo that is established within the premises of the sanctuary. The zoo includes Deers, Elephants, tigers, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Crocodiles, Panthers, etc. The zoo is one of the favourites of the students and kids.

Botanical Garden

The sanctuary also houses stretches of gardens that are equally preferred by the common men as well as botanists. These gardens are home to numerous rare species of plants.

From plants that are of huge importance in medicine to spice trees and numerous flowering plants, the Botanical Garden is a pleasure to visit.

Rehabilitation Centre

The most attractive and commendable sites of the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the Rehabilitation Centre. This site houses the wounded animals like leopards that were hurt as they accidentally came close in contact with the human population.

It also houses numerous illegally smuggled or used animals like bears, cobras and monkeys that are treated so that they can return back to the wild forest habitat.

Deer Safari Park

The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary offers a safari ride for its visitors where one can spot different species of deer.

These deer species’ are mouse deer, hog deer, barking deer, spotted deer and more. It is one of the most adventurous and exciting things to do at the park.

Nature Education Centre

Along with the above-mentioned sites at the sanctuary, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary also has a library that has a rich stock of books, documents, audio-visual clips, documentaries on wildlife and nature. Sometimes it also screens special documentaries for the visitors.

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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Timings

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors on all days of the week except on Mondays. It remains open from 9.00 AM in the morning to 5.00 PM in the evening. You can visit it during these hours to enjoy the lush green park.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fees

The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary has kept their tickets fare at a very minimum rate. The entry fee for adults is Rs 10, and for children, it is Rs 5. Thus, it can be visited by everyone.

If you are taking a camera, you have to pay Rs 25 for it. Parking charges are Rs 10 for a two-wheeler and Rs 50 for a four-wheeler.

How to Reach Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air

The nearest airport to the Wildlife Sanctuary is the Dabolim Airport which is located at a distance of 48 kilometres. After reaching the airport, you can board a taxi or take a bus to the sanctuary.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to the Wildlife Sanctuary is Kulem Station. You can reach Kulem from the main railway stations of Goa by taking a local train. After reaching the station, take a taxi or a rickshaw to reach Bondla Railway Station.

By Road

The sanctuary is located at a distance of 38 kilometres from Margao and 50 kilometres from Panjim. You can thus take a bus or reserve a cab to visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary can be visited anytime during the year. However, most visitors prefer the cooler months from October to March to visit the Wildlife Sanctuary.

However, you can visit the sanctuary during monsoon as the greenery flourishes at this time, and the weather remains soothing.

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Tourist Attractions Near Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is a beach in Goa, famous for its white sand beach and nightlife. It is a paradise for the people who loves to party as well as for visitors who want to spend some serene time all by themselves.

The beach has numerous colourful shacks that face Canacona Island. Palolem Beach is famous for its silent discos which involve the use of headphones while dancing. There are numerous flea markets and eateries on the beach.

Also read 5 Best Family Beaches in Goa

Fontainhas

Fontainhas is an old building in Goa that was actually a Latin quarter. The building has a Portuguese influence in its architecture and resembles European style.

Also read A Complete Guide to Fontainhas – Things To Do, Places To Eat, Where To Stay

The building is located in Panjim and was established in 1770. With the roofs made up of red tiles, hanging balconies and painted with the light yellow, blue and red colour, Fontainhas resembles a European painting and is a must-visit if you are in Goa.

Mangeshi Temple

Mangeshi Temple is commonly known as Shri Mangesh Temple and is located in Ponda Taluka of Goa, near the Mangeshi village. Being one of the largest temples of Goa, it is very popular among the locals and attracts numerous visitors.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple also worships Lord Ganesha and Devi Parvati. The temple is of simple yet elegant structure and is a beautiful place to witness.

Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos Fort is located in Reis Magos village of Goa, near Bardez. The fort has a Portuguese structure and is surrounded by white laterite walls on its sides.

Also read 11 Most Popular Forts in Goa

Located amidst the splendid view of the greeneries, the fort served as a residence to the dignitaries visiting to-and-fro from Lisbon.

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