Exploring Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Location : Located in Ponda Taluka in Central Goa, 20 kms from Mollem and 52 kms from Panaji. Area : 8 sq. km Major Attractions : Gaur, Sambar, Monkeys, Wild Boar, Langurs, Jackals Best Time to Visit : October to March Timings : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Thursday closed (Garden and Zoo)
About Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 52 km from Panaji in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Goa. Eight square km in size, Bondla is "rather small" even by official accounts. It includes a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and a few Ecotourism Cottages.
The Forest Department has announced that it is contemplating to run a bus service from TISKA to BONDLA everyday, except Thursday. Dep. Tiska 11.00 hrs and 19.30 hrs Dep. Bondla 07.30 hrs and 17.45 hrs. Many currently travel via their own transport. Hired taxi is a "little bit costly" as the Forest Department cautions.
Sightseeing
There are botanical gardens, a zoo and a deer park. The gardens are very pleasant, while there has been some criticism of the state in which the animals are maintained. There are elephant rides offered in the afternoons, around 4PM.
Late evenings and nights out there can be interesting. It has moist deciduous forests, small patches of evergreens, and Goa's state tree Terminalia Crenulata (Matti) and Rosewood are common here.
To see Goa's state animal, the gaur, you need to go here too. You could run into panther, jungle cat, leopard cat, toddy cat, deer, wild boars, porcupines, ant eaters, or squirrels are some of the other animals here. Over a hundred species of birds are believed to be here, and Goa's growing romance with British birdwatchers is building awareness in this area.
*Zoological Park - A tiny zoo in moated enclosures with natural surroundings. A few elephant, panther, lion, gaur, sambar, deers, sloth bear, porcupine, wild boar, crocodiles, and reptiles.
*Deer Safari Park - Visitors can move among deers in vehicles inside the Deer Safari Park housing sambar and spotted deers.
*Formal Gardens - Lawns, exotic trees, varieties of roses, and colourful flowering plants in the middle of the forest.
*Nature Education Centre - Exhibits to see, feel and interpret. An attached library, with video movies screened on request.
*Birdwatch - Bondla is home to over a hundred bird species. For details on bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.
* See wild animals You need to scan from watch towers, to spy gaur, sambar, and wild boar at water-holes. You need luck too.
*Archaeological exhibit - Deity Gajalaxmi with several motifs in bold relief, from the sixth to eighth century venerated by ancient settlers are located here.
How To reach
By Road: Bondla is off National Highway 4A that connects Belgaum with Panjim. Branch off at Mollem.
Plan your visit
A useful journey leaves room for local discoveries. Start with these essentials, then verify operational details from primary sources.
Reserve any permitted safari or access through the authorized wildlife authority.
Keep a respectful distance, avoid loud noises and never feed or approach wildlife.
Bring neutral clothing, water, suitable sun protection and binoculars if useful.
Check the open season, gate location, guide requirements and changing conservation rules.
Photos and places to remember
More journeys to discover
Frequently asked questions
What is Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary known for?
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is explored in this guide through its local heritage, visitor attractions, culture and images. The highlights and linked articles below offer starting points for your itinerary.
How should I plan a first visit to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary?
Choose a few nearby highlights in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, group them by area and allow flexibility for travel, meals and rest. Confirm the latest access information with official providers.
Can I visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary throughout the year?
Not necessarily. Wildlife areas can close for monsoon periods, conservation measures or operational reasons. Confirm current permits, zones and visitor seasons directly with park authorities.
Where can I confirm ticket prices and opening times in Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary?
Check the official tourism authority or the individual venue before departure. This page intentionally does not repeat potentially outdated prices or hours.
Is this Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary guide updated?
This page was rebuilt from legacy IndiaCityTrip content on October 23, 2026. Older descriptive material has been reorganized; operational details still require direct verification.