Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa
Goa's charming wildlife sanctuary and zoo, offering a green escape with diverse fauna and a unique nature stay.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Goa's charming wildlife sanctuary and zoo, offering a green escape with diverse fauna and a unique nature stay.
"The visit was worth it for the leopard alone, though unfortunately, we couldn’t spot the tiger."
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience. Weekdays offer better chances for wildlife sightings .
💰 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is budget-friendly at INR 100 for adults, with extra charges for cameras .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bondla Zoo Encounters
Zoo area
Get surprisingly close to animals like leopards and bison in this compact, yet engaging zoo. A definite highlight for many visitors .

Lush Botanical Gardens
Botanical Garden
Wander through serene gardens offering a peaceful escape and a chance to admire diverse flora. A refreshing contrast to the zoo.

Sylvan Eco Cottages
Inside the sanctuary
Experience an eco-friendly stay amidst nature, complete with guided trails and local cuisine. Perfect for a tranquil getaway .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Embrace the Nature Stay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience. Weekdays offer better chances for wildlife sightings.
💰 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is budget-friendly at INR 100 for adults, with extra charges for cameras.
🌿 Embrace Nature's Calm
Limited connectivity here! Disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Be prepared for separate charges if you plan to take photos or videos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience. Weekdays offer better chances for wildlife sightings.
💰 Affordable Entry Fees
Entry is budget-friendly at INR 100 for adults, with extra charges for cameras.
🌿 Embrace Nature's Calm
Limited connectivity here! Disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.
📸 Camera Fees Apply
Be prepared for separate charges if you plan to take photos or videos.
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
The sanctuary is best explored by walking, so wear comfortable shoes for trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary a clean and pleasant escape with a surprisingly engaging zoo, especially for its compact size. The leopard sighting is a frequent highlight. While some animals might show signs of stress, the lush greenery and affordability make it a recommended family-friendly destination for a nature-filled day out.
"The wildlife sanctuary was good, clean.
Most of the animals are in good condition, except the wolves( coyotes) they were in stress. Too small place for the big pack they keep in small area.
We visited at the weekend so it was pretty busy, better come during the week.
The price for two people was 100 rupees. There's also fees for the camera 📷 50 rupees.
Recommend for visit."
Elena V
"We had a beautiful weekend friendship day celebration, of 4 families comprising 2 generations & forever memories at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and the beautiful Sylvan Eco Cottages. The resort offered an all inclusive package which included trails , zoo entry , yoga and all meals .The jungle trails and the sightings of various birds & spotted deer's were our personal highlights .
As far as the resort goes, The rooms were refurbished with large balconies and there was a well laid out and tasty lunch and breakfast meals with local authentic dishes. The staff were all locals and very friendly and approachable.
Just a word of caution considering you are in the wildlife sanctuary there may not be connectivity, So leave your work behind and come and refresh yourself and be one with nature our best healer"
Gavin Dias
"Nice place. You will get the vibe of forests. Greenary is eye soothing. A small zoo is located inside with leopard, bison, crocodile, deer, bear etc. nice place to visit with family."
Avijit Sur
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Ponda Taluka, about 47 km from Panjim. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the sanctuary. Many visitors opt for a day trip from popular Goan cities.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Ponda Taluka, which is considered part of North Goa.
The sanctuary is best explored on foot, especially the jungle trails. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Yes, guided nature trails and bird-watching tours are often part of eco-tourism packages offered at the Sylvan Eco Cottages.
While private vehicles can reach the entrance, exploring the core areas is typically done on foot. Parking is available near the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for adults is approximately INR 100. There are additional charges for cameras.
The sanctuary is generally open from 9 AM to 5 PM. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or specific timings before your visit.
For general entry, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to stay at the Sylvan Eco Cottages, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season or for special offers.
While specific child ticket prices aren't always detailed, the overall entry fee is quite affordable, making it a family-friendly destination. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter for the most current pricing.
Packages typically include stay in eco-friendly cottages, all meals, and access to nature trails and the zoo.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including deer (Sambhar), bison (gaur), panthers, jungle cats, leopards, wild boars, and various birds. The zoo houses species like crocodiles and bears.
Yes, Bondla is known to be a paradise for bird-watchers due to its rich biodiversity and lush greenery.
Absolutely! Bondla is very popular with children and families, featuring a zoo and park areas that are engaging for younger visitors.
While most animals are in good condition, some reviews mention that wolves might appear stressed due to limited space for the pack.
The leopard is often a highlight, seen very close by visitors.Yes, photography is allowed, but there is a separate fee for cameras.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Sylvan Eco Cottages offer authentic Goan meals as part of their packages. Basic refreshments might also be available near the zoo area.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally allowed. However, it's important to dispose of any waste responsibly to maintain the sanctuary's cleanliness.
The cottages offer well-laid-out and tasty meals, including local authentic Goan dishes, as part of their all-inclusive packages.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is permitted, but there's a separate fee for cameras. Be mindful of wildlife and avoid using flash photography, especially in enclosed areas like the zoo.
The botanical gardens offer scenic shots, while close encounters with animals in the zoo, particularly the leopard, can provide dramatic photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted in wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to confirm with the authorities upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones. The Botanical Garden also provides a pleasant area for a stroll, and the overall green environment is a refreshing change from the beaches. If you're looking for an overnight stay, the Sylvan Eco Cottages offer a unique nature immersion, though ensure your children are comfortable with limited connectivity.
🌿 Nature & Bird Enthusiasts
If you opt for a stay at the Sylvan Eco Cottages, you can take advantage of guided nature trails and dedicated bird-watching sessions. This allows for a more in-depth exploration of the sanctuary's natural beauty and a higher chance of spotting diverse wildlife and avian species.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
While there are camera fees, the overall cost for a day trip is minimal. For an even more immersive experience without breaking the bank, consider packing your own snacks and water. The Sylvan Eco Cottages offer packages that can be cost-effective for groups or if you're looking for an all-inclusive nature retreat, especially during off-peak seasons or monsoon offers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sylvan Eco Cottages Experience
Travelers have noted that staying here means being truly one with nature, which also comes with a caveat: limited mobile connectivity. This is an ideal situation for those looking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the environment. The staff are locals, known for being friendly and approachable, adding to the warm, community feel of the stay.
Monsoon offers are frequently available, making it an attractive option during the wetter months. The cottages themselves have been refurbished, often featuring large balconies perfect for enjoying the surrounding greenery. It's a chance to experience Bondla beyond a typical day trip, offering a peaceful retreat for families and couples alike.
Wildlife Encounters at Bondla Zoo
While the zoo is appreciated for its cleanliness and the generally good condition of most animals, some feedback suggests that certain species, like the wolves, might appear stressed due to the limited space for larger packs. Despite this, the sanctuary is considered a nice place to visit with family, offering a glimpse into the region's fauna. The Gaur, Goa's state animal, is also a significant resident of the sanctuary.
Beyond the zoo, the sanctuary's Botanical Garden provides a tranquil space to explore diverse plant life. The overall experience is often described as a jungle-like atmosphere, with eye-soothing greenery that makes it a refreshing escape from the usual beach destinations in Goa.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit