Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, North Goa: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and is managed by the Government of Goa. It covers about 7.98 sq km and is the smallest of the state's sanctuaries. The Bondla Zoo, in the middle of the sanctuary, is the only zoo in Goa and is known for breeding gaur.

The sanctuary has had periodic closures; the area was shut for a few days in 2025 after a viral infection killed several animals, so check for current notices.

Useful facts

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance

Location

Western Ghats foothills near Ponda and Dharbandora, Goa

Experience type

Zoo, deer park, garden and forest trails

Area

About 7.98 sq km; Goa's smallest sanctuary

Established

1969; managed by the Government of Goa

Closed

Thursdays (reported); confirm before you go

Known for

Gaur, Malabar trogon, Malabar grey hornbill and butterflies

Why it matters

Why Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time

Bondla is the most accessible piece of Goa's Western Ghats forest. It borders the larger Mhadei and Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuaries, and the state uses it as a rehabilitation centre for animals affected by human conflict, alongside its zoo.

For travellers who have had enough beaches, it is a useful reminder that Goa's interior is forest, with a wildlife list that includes leopard, gaur, Malabar grey langur and hundreds of bird species. It is also one of the few outings in the state where children can see native animals without a long trek.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Bondla Zoo

   The only zoo in Goa, with gaur, deer, leopards and reptiles on shaded, easy paths.

2. 02

   Forest birds

   The sanctuary has recorded over 275 bird species, including the Malabar trogon and grey hornbill.

3. 03

   Short trails and gardens

   A botanical garden and short marked trails let you step into the forest without a long trek.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

Start early. From the northern beaches it is a long drive, likely well over an hour, so aim to arrive soon after opening, when the forest is cool and birds are most active. Check that you are not going on a Thursday, when the sanctuary is closed.

The zoo at the centre is the easy part of the visit: enclosures with gaur, deer, leopards and reptiles on shaded paths that suit children and older relatives. Beyond it, a nature education centre, botanical garden and short walking trails lead into the moist deciduous forest, home to Malabar giant squirrels, langurs and a wide range of birds, including the Malabar trogon and Malabar grey hornbill. Keep to marked trails and move quietly.

After the visit, stop for a simple meal in Ponda or continue to the Shantadurga Temple or a spice plantation nearby. In the monsoon, expect wet, slippery paths and check for closures.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Western Ghats foothills near Ponda and Dharbandora; roughly 46 km from Panaji and farther from the northern beaches

Time needed

3–4 hours including the drive each way, from the coast

Best time

October to March; early morning for birds and animals

Walking level

Easy

Senior comfort

The zoo and garden paths are mostly level and shaded, with benches in places, making this one of Goa's easier nature outings. The drive is long and winding, so those prone to travel sickness should plan breaks.

Tickets and access

Entry fees and hours are published inconsistently and have changed over time. Reported hours are roughly 9 am to 5 pm, with the sanctuary closed on Thursdays. Confirm with the Goa Forest Department before you travel; cottages inside the area are run by the department.

Plan it with

FAQs