Photo Credits: pg 4- go here_1
Visiting Bondla zoo located in Ponda, around 50 kms from Panaji, is a rite of passage for hundreds ofstudents in Goa who invariably visit the zoo as participants of the annual school picnic.
Bondla maybe a smaller wildlife sanctuary as compared to the others in the state, but with a zoo, rose and botanical gardens and deer park in its jurisdiction, it certainly makes the place an attractive option especially if there are children involved.
The animals you can see here in the enclosures are the Gaur or the Great Indian Bison, a massive herbivore which is not only Goa’s state animal, but also the mascot of football team FC Goa, the Sambhar deer, a variety of snakes, leopards, porcupines, the mighty Lion, panther, crocodiles, reptiles, etc.
The wildlife sanctuary itself which is around eight square kms in area has a thick cover of moist deciduous forests in which along with spotted deer, wild hogs, barking mouse, porcupines, scaly ant eaters, Malabar giant squirrels, even flying lizards are commonly spotted.
The carnivores which have been sighted at Bondla include the panther, jungle cat, leopard cat, toddy cat, etc. The sanctuary is also home to almost a 100 species of birds.
The day you should not drop by at Bondla is Thursday, when it is closed for the day. Bondla also has a facility for overnight stay in form of cottages in the sanctuary area.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Ponda, around 50 kms from Panaji
Japanese Garden in Vasco
And you thought that Goa only had a connection with the Portuguese? If you happen to be in the port town of Vasco da Gama, a visit to the Japanese garden for a stroll and an evening outing is certainly worth the while.
The Japanese garden is located at the same site where the Fortaleza Santa Catarina once stood. You can still see the ruined walls of the old garden.
The best part about the garden is the breathtaking view of the Arabian sea which it offers visitors, thanks to the fact that it is located right on the edge of the Mormugao Ridge overlooking the waters.
The garden is well-maintained, well-manicured and safe to visit because it is a favourite haunt for families from Vasco da Gama as well as young couples, who come here for some moments of quiet and solace.
Down the garden is also a small beach stretch where you can wade into the waters of the Arabian sea.
The Japanese garden is located a short distance from Vasco da Gama.
You will also find a small temple called Durgamata Shiv Mandir, on the path to the beach stretch.
Japanese Garden
Vasco
