Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a small but significant protected area located in North Goa district of Goa, near the town of Ponda. It covers an area of about 8 square kilometres, making it the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, yet one of the most popular due to its accessibility and educational value.

The sanctuary lies in the Western Ghats region, a global biodiversity hotspot, and features moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. Bondla is home to a variety of wildlife such as gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, porcupine, and leopards. It is also rich in birdlife, including peafowl, hornbills, and various species of owls and woodpeckers.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is well known for its zoological park, deer safari, botanical gardens, and nature interpretation centre, which make it a popular destination for students and tourists. Trekking trails and watchtowers provide opportunities for wildlife observation.Bondla plays an important role in wildlife conservation, environmental education, and eco-tourism in Goa.