Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponda - Image 1
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa

4
·3k reviews·Usgao-Ganjem VP, India

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponda - Image 1

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(3k reviews)

"The visit was worth it for the leopard alone, though unfortunately, we couldn’t spot the tiger."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bondla Zoo Encounters

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 .

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Lush Botanical Gardens

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

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 .

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds, especially if you're traveling with family. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and more active wildlife sightings. Weekends can get busy, impacting the overall experience.Reddit

Embrace the Nature Stay

Consider booking a stay at the Sylvan Eco Cottages within the sanctuary for an immersive experience. This offers guided nature trails and bird-watching opportunities, but be prepared for limited mobile connectivity.InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Post-lunch lull
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa📍 . . . #goa #goazoo #bondlawildlifesanctuary #travelgoa #exploregoa #zoo #explorepage #goaadventure #experiencegoa #beautifulgoa
naik_amrita_
13K likes • 369.9K views

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended

Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience. Weekdays offer better chances for wildlife sightings.Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fees

Entry is budget-friendly at INR 100 for adults, with extra charges for cameras.Instagram

Places in Goa | Zoo | Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary | Bondla | North Goa #reels Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular nature reserve located in the state of Goa, India. It is known for its rich biodiversity and lush greenery. It provides a safe habitat for a variety of animal species, including deer, wild boars, Indian bison (gaurs), monkeys, various bird species, and more.Visitors to Bondla Wildl...
goannarrative
52 likes • 1.5K views
This is Goa, Beyond beaches.🤍 An initiative by the Goa Forest Development Corporation 📍Sylvan Bondla Ecotourism Cottages, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Discover eco-friendly cottages nestled in the heart of Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. For just ₹3,493 per person, enjoy: ✨ Guided nature trails & bird-watching 🐦 ✨ Visit to Bondla Zoo 🦌 ✨ Authentic Goan meals at The Den Restaurant 🍴 ✨ All-inclusive com...
richamanuella
1.1K likes • 58.5K views

🌿 Embrace Nature's Calm

Limited connectivity here! Disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.Reddit

📸 Camera Fees Apply

Be prepared for separate charges if you plan to take photos or videos.Instagram

Back with another Goa hideaway 🌿✨ Most of us have done a day trip to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary… but did you know you can actually stay inside it now? 👀 @sylvan_goa.fdc offers eco-friendly cottages right in the middle of nature and the monsoon offer is too good to miss 🌧️ 💚 Monsoon Offer ₹3,500 per person | ₹5,500 per couple (includes stay + all meals + nature trails + bird watching + zoo visit) ...
prapp_t
346 likes • 40.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Weekday Visits Recommended

Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful experience. Weekdays offer better chances for wildlife sightings.Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry Fees

Entry is budget-friendly at INR 100 for adults, with extra charges for cameras.Instagram

🌿 Embrace Nature's Calm

Limited connectivity here! Disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of the forest.Reddit

📸 Camera Fees Apply

Be prepared for separate charges if you plan to take photos or videos.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore on Foot

The sanctuary is best explored by walking, so wear comfortable shoes for trails.Instagram

What Travellers Say

4
(3k reviews)

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

Clean and green environment
Close leopard encounters
Affordable entry fees

What People Dislike

Limited space for some animals
Weekend crowds

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.Instagram+1

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Ponda Taluka, which is considered part of North Goa.Instagram+1

The sanctuary is best explored on foot, especially the jungle trails. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.Instagram

Yes, guided nature trails and bird-watching tours are often part of eco-tourism packages offered at the Sylvan Eco Cottages.Instagram+1

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.Instagram

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.Instagram+1

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.Instagram+2

🎫 🌿 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.InstagramReddit

Yes, Bondla is known to be a paradise for bird-watchers due to its rich biodiversity and lush greenery.Instagram

Absolutely! Bondla is very popular with children and families, featuring a zoo and park areas that are engaging for younger visitors.Instagram

While most animals are in good condition, some reviews mention that wolves might appear stressed due to limited space for the pack.Reddit The leopard is often a highlight, seen very close by visitors.Reddit

Yes, photography is allowed, but there is a separate fee for cameras.Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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.Reddit

📸 📸 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.Instagram

The botanical gardens offer scenic shots, while close encounters with animals in the zoo, particularly the leopard, can provide dramatic photographic opportunities.Reddit

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

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a fantastic destination for families. Its compact zoo makes it manageable for children, with exciting sightings like the leopard often being a highlight.Reddit The sanctuary is known for being popular with kids, offering a fun and educational day out.Instagram

Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your little ones.Reddit 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.Instagram

🌿 Nature & Bird Enthusiasts

For those who love the outdoors, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a gem. It's particularly famous among bird-watchers due to its rich biodiversity and lush greenery.Instagram The sanctuary provides a habitat for various species, making it an excellent spot for observing local flora and fauna.

If you opt for a stay at the Sylvan Eco Cottages, you can take advantage of guided nature trails and dedicated bird-watching sessions.Instagram+1 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

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a very budget-friendly destination. The entry fee is quite low at approximately INR 100 for adults, making it an accessible option for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.Instagram

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.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sylvan Eco Cottages Experience

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, the Sylvan Eco Cottages offer a unique opportunity to stay within the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary itself. These eco-friendly accommodations provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy guided nature trails and bird-watching excursions.Instagram+2 Packages often include all meals, featuring authentic Goan cuisine, and are designed for a complete escape from the hustle and bustle.

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.Reddit

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.Instagram+1

Wildlife Encounters at Bondla Zoo

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary houses Goa's only zoo, which, while compact, offers some memorable wildlife encounters. Visitors frequently highlight the leopard as a star attraction, with some reporting seeing one just a foot away, making the visit worthwhile for this sighting alone.Reddit Other animals you can expect to see include bison (gaur), deer (Sambhar), panthers, jungle cats, wild boars, and bears.InstagramReddit

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.Reddit 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.Instagram

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.InstagramReddit