Bondla provides sanctuary to leopards who have been injured when they ventured too close to human habitation, and dancing bears and cobras who, along with their trainers, need a new life as the age-old tradition of dancing bears and snake charming is now illegal. The elephants and their handlers are more fortunate: the two at Bondla take turns to give visitors a ride, and on their off day are bathed and laze around.
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.
Get in
By road: Bondla is off National Highway 4A that connects Belgaum with Panjim. Branch off at Mollem.
Route: Mollem-Satpal Sancorda-Shivddem-Bondla. (20 kms). Branch off at Tiska Route: Tiska - Usgaon - Ganhem - Bondla (14 kms).
Route: Margao-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (36 kms) Panjim-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (52 kms).
By Rail: Collem (on the Mormugao-Hubli line). Route: Collem-Mollem-Sancorda-Shivddem-Bondla: 28 kms.
Carambolim (Karmali Railway Station, on Konkan Railway) Route: Carambolim-Old Goa-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla: 40 kms.
By plane: Dabolim-Ponda-Usgao-Ganjem-Bondla (70 kms)
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