Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Northeastern Goa, India in the Ponda taluka of the state. The total area of the park is 8 km2. It is a popular destination for both tourists and schoolchildren. A wide variety of animal life can be encountered, including: Sambar Deer, Indian Bison, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Peafowl and many species of snake.

Bondla provides sanctuary to Leopards who have been injured when they ventured too close to human habitation, and dancing bears and cobras who, along with their trainers, need a new life as the age-old tradition of dancing bears and snake charming is now illegal. The elephants and their handlers are more fortunate: the two at Bondla take turns to give visitors a ride, and on their off day are bathed and laze around.

Another surprise at Bondla are the Hindu carvings. These were discovered when the sanctuary gardens were being constructed. They would have been hidden for protection from the Portuguese Catholic Inquisitors.

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