Animals warm our souls and if you want to spot them in Goa, then all roads lead to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Usgao. There's so much to do when you visit this wildlife park, but remember, hugging the wild animals should not be on your checklist.
How to get there
Bondla, which is around 45 km from Panjim in North Goa, can be reached by road. This distance can be covered in approximately one hour and 15 minutes as roads leading to the sanctuary are broad and well developed. You could avoid traffic and be there in one hour if you start early in the morning.
Welcome to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
After being greeted by a big welcome sign, drive through the lush forest greenery and breathe in the fresh air of the sanctuary.
The two rules to be kept in mind at all times while you go around this wildlife haven are: Keep your voice down and look out for animals that might cross your path, or in this case – say hello to you while you cross their path.
After crossing the pathway, you will arrive at a gate that permits you to enter only after you pay a nominal entry fee - a tiny price to pay for what is to follow.
Sleeping In the wild
If living in the wild is a dream you wish to fulfil then Bondla is just the place for you. Vibrant, cosy and well-built, the cottages at Bondla guarantee you a good night’s sleep in nature's arms.
Not to forget the chance of enjoying a sizzling barbeque under the starry night as you sit in the balcony and watch the monkeys trying to steal your belongings and tease you while they’re at it.
Zoo calling
As the sun peeps through the sky and the dawn arrives, its zoo time. Stepping into Bondla Zoological Park, you cannot resist cracking regular 'zoo jokes' with your sister, asking her; "what coming back home feels like".
Jokes apart, the zoo is a perfect place not only to introduce your little ones to the animal kingdom, but also to educate yourself on little details you swore you knew.
Right from porcupines, snakes, birds, bisons, leopards and monkeys swinging around and feasting on stolen ice cream, the zoo is home to the animals - well, their home away from home.
Apart from this, the Wildlife Sanctuary also houses a Botanical Garden and Deer Safari Park.
Local Goan Meal
Just like all good things come to an end, your trip to Bondla will also eventually end. But not before savouring a sumptuous meal either at the Bondla canteen. or a local restaurant from around the locality.
Asking the locals for their suggestions is always a good idea, and in this case, try the forest official’s suggestion of lunching at Gopika Fast Food, a local Goan restaurant in Usgao. One meal at Gopika is sure to leave you well-fed and wishing you could return to the cottage to take one last nap in nature's lap.
DETAILS
WHERE: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla, Usgao
TIMINGS: 9 am to 5 pm