Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Want to experience nature close-hand? See the jungle and its wildlife as you take a stroll? Then, head to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa. Spread over just about eight sq km in size, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent eco-tourism destination in the former Portugese colony more known for its beaches, churches and colonial relics.

With well developed tourist facilities, Bondla sanctuary is a favourite with children and nature lovers. In addition to the sanctuary, Bondla zoo, deer safari and botanical gardens are its other attractions. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary cottages and dormitories provide tourists with comfortable stay options right next to the sanctuary.

The most common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur, Goa’s state animal, Sambhar deer, panther, jungle cat, leopard, toddy cat, wild boar, porcupine, scaly anteater, and the Malabar giant squirrel. Watch-towers placed at vantage points in the sanctuary provide opportunities to observe the wildlife from close range.

The area is covered with moist deciduous forests and small patches of evergreens. The sanctuary is also home to over a hundred bird species. Ruby throated yellow bulbul, the state bird, the common grey hornbill and golden backed woodpecker are some of the bird species commonly seen in the park.

The mini zoo is a favourite with young and adults. The deer park is home to a sizeable number of deers including the spotted deer, hog deer, barking deer and the mouse deer also known as Chevrotain.

The botanical gardens with spacious lawns, exotic trees and colourful flowers are other attractions in the park. The large collection of plants in the sanctuary attracts a large number of botany students and researchers.

The Nature Education Center within the sancutary houses several exhibits which visitors could interpret. The center has an attached library which provides details about various animals while video and movies are also screened on request. Bondla is also ideal for trekking. The trails through the forests are best to experience nature close hand.

Tourists usually visit the sanctuary in the evenings and nights. Staying at the sanctuary is not a problem as the Bondla wildlife sanctuary cottages run by the forest department offer comfortable accommodation. Bondla wildlife sanctuary is closed on Thursdays.

PANJIM

Panjim means the ‘land that does not flood’. During the rule of the Portuguese in Goa, Panjim was just a landing stage with custom housing facilities and was surrounded by marshy swampland. However, in the year 1843, it became a capital.

Although the rulers and Viceroys built some popular buildings and heritage sites, but the overall development was not up to the mark and the main reason for that can be attributed to frequent natural calamities. It was because of these the Portuguese nobles preferred to set their mansions in the countryside than the city.

CHURCH OF ST. ALEX

Church of St. Alex, which was founded by Franciscans, is popular among tourists for its architectural beauty. The church features two towers, altars and a white dome, which can be seen from the entrance. This church was originally founded in 1595, which makes it one of the oldest surviving churches in Goa. The church that stands currently at this site was constructed by the local people in 1741. In 1765, the towers of this church were installed, while the sanctuary was rebuilt in 1916.

BARDEZ

Located in North Goa, Bardez is a taluka, which is popular for its beaches and markets. Bardez refers to ‘bara desh’, which means twelve countries. Twelve specific territorial areas, which together make the Bardez taluka, are Pombrupa, Olaulim, Anjuna, Serula, Aldona, Assagao, Moira, Machinola, Saligao, Candolim, Sangolda and Nachinola.

Bardez is delimited by Chapora River from the northern side and Mandovi River from the southern side. Mapusa River, which originates in Bardez, flows to the east of the region, while on the west of the region lays the Indian Ocean. In 1543, Bardez was under the control of the Portuguese along with Salcette and Mormugao and formed a part of the Portugal's Velhas Coquistas or Old Conquests.

Today, Bardez is one of the popular tourist destinations in Goa, with famous sites like the fort of Aguada and the beaches of Candolim, Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga and Anjuna. Big Wednesday Flea Market in Anjuna and the Friday Bazaar in Mapusa are also major tourist attractions in the region. Native people of Bardez are known as Bardezcar or Bardeskar in the Konkani language, which is the main language spoken.

Dabolim Airport is the main gateway to the destination, which is served by various domestic and international flights. Situated on the Margao-Sawantwadi rail route, Thivim Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Bardez.

Kadamba bus stand of Panaji is the main bus station, which can be used to reach Bardez. Buses from different regions of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka operate to and from this station. The best time to visit Bardez is during the winter months, which extend from November to Feb