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Wildlife in Goa » Cotigao Wildlife
Sanctuary
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
38 kms from
Margao is the smaller of the three wildlife sanctuaries of Goa - the Bondla
Wildlife Sanctuary. More than a sanctuary, it is an ideal jungle resort, a major
attraction for school going children and nature lovers.
The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kms from Panaji and 38 Kms from Margao
and 20 Kms east of Ponda. It is more of a jungle resort with tourist cottages
available on site run by the Forest Department.
The common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur and the Sambhar deer.
It is a popular destination for school picnics. It is closed on Thursdays. There
are tour buses that make a stop over at Bondla from Margao and Panaji.
The Sanctuary is just 8 sq. km. in size, located among hills at the junction
of three Talukas viz. Ponda, Sanguem and Sattari. It boasts of a Mini Zoo, Deer
Safari Park, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens and Eco-Tourism Cottages.
It is connected to Ponda as well as Molem by a good tar-road. Late evenings
and nights are very pleasant. Bondla is a Paradise for Eco-Tourists.
The area is covered with Moist Deciduous Forests, with small patches of Evergreens
and Canes along the nullahs. The State Tree Terninalia crenulata (Matti) and
Rosewood are common here. Others are Lagerstroemia (Naked Maiden of the Forest
/ Nano), Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, Saraca indica etc. The thorny bamboo Bambusa
arundinacea and Giant Lianas (Entada) abound.
Zoological Par : A tiny Zoo permits one
to see the fauna of Goa in moated enclosures with natural surroundings. Animal
exhibts include, Panther, Lion, Gaur, Sambar, Deers (Spotted, Hog & Barking
) Sloth Bear, Crocodiles, Reptiles etc.
Deer Safari Park : Visitors can move among
deers in vehicles inside the sprawling Deer Safari Park housing Sambar and Spotted
Deers.
Formal Gardens : Spacious lawns, exotic
trees, varieties of roses, and colourful flowering plants in the middle of the
forest do please the eye.
Botanic Gardens : The large collection of
plants is of interest to students.
Nature Education Centre : The NEC houses
several exhibits, which visitors can see, feel and interpret. An attached Library
provides details to the inquisitive, and video and cine movies are screened
on request.
Birds : Bondla is home to over a hundred
bird species. For details on bird-watching areas contact the Park Range Office.
Wild Animals : For those seeking greater
adventure and excitement, we have watch-towers where wild animals like Gaur,
Sambar, Wild Boar can be seen at water-holes.
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