About Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary In Goa
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa is one of the most popular attractions in the state, especially for nature lovers and bird watchers. It is actually the smallest wildlife sanctuary in Goa, and covers no more than a mere 8 sq kms in its entirety. It is the best wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is located nearly 40 kms away from Madgaon and 50 kms from Panaji. There are local buses available at regular intervals to take you here from any point in South Goa. From North Goa, the buses leave at larger intervals as compared to those from South Goa so plan accordingly.
This Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa is a favorite destination for school children as well as tourists. This is one of the best places in Goa to experience the lush greenery of nature first hand. There are several nature trails that you can walk on and experience the beauty of the land surrounding you. It is the perfect place to get some respite from the constant hustle bustle of Goa. There is also a resort here for overnight visitors who like to wake up to the sound of birds chirping on their window sills, and deers roaming around in their backyard. These Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary cottages have to be booked beforehand.
Attractions of Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoo: During your visit to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, you can explore its zoological park for a wide variety of fauna, from snakes to birds such as such as peacocks, parakeets, hornbills, bulbuls, woodpeckers, pheasants and more. You can also get to see the Bengal Tiger at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Apart from these animals, you can also witness the Indian Boar, crocodiles, silver pheasant, bison, porcupines, sambar deer, Malabar giant squirrels, Indian cobra, Pythons and vipers.
Botanical Gardens: The beautifully laid out gardens in this sanctuary lets you cherish the view of flora ranging from rare plant species to medicinal herbs. Do carry a camera to document all you see, and create a bouquet of memories.
Rehabilitation Centre: Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary also has a rescue and rehabilitation center, which is a great place to bond with injured animals. It is one of the best places erected by the sanctuary in regard to the preservation of environment.
Deer Safari Park: With a bevy of species of deer to encounter, here you must enjoy a deer safari. On this safari, you might get to witness some rare species, including hog deer, mouse deer, and barking deer.
Nature Education Centre: Besides numerous exhibits, you can explore this centre for its well-stocked library. You can also watch a movie or documentary of your choice.
The best time to visit Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is from the months of October to March. The sanctuary is closed on Mondays, and open on all other days from 9 in the morning to 5 in the evening.
If flora and fauna is what fascinates you, then you should definitely pay a visit to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. The place has a rich variety of fauna along with rehabilitation and educational centre. The botanical garden inside the sanctuary is something which shouldn’t be missed out as it has a great variety of attractions as well as medicinal flowers. Make sure to keep your camera ready, as you will get a lot of opportunities here to capture the beauty of nature and animal species here. It is a great place to visit with friends and family. So, make sure to visit it at least once when in Goa.
How To Reach Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are wondering how to reach Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary then you are in luck. There are several local buses that can take tourists to the sanctuary, which leave at regular intervals. If you are staying near the bus stop then taking is a bus would be the easiest possible things for you. If you are looking to travel via a taxi then taxis are always available near the bus stop, or at the main taxi depot. Buses are also available easily from Panaji and Margoa at regular intervals. Some tour buses, if you have taken a day sightseeing tour package or a Goa package, also make a stop at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, but make sure to find out if the itinerary covers a stop long enough for you to explore the entire place to your heart’s content. The roads are well paved and maintained, so if you are looking to drive over to the place then that would be an easy thing to do. You can hire a four wheeler as well as a two wheeler in Goa, from almost anywhere in the state.
Timings For Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary timings is from 9 in the morning to around 5 in the evening. The Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is closed on Mondays, and public holidays so make sure to find out what the timings are before you reach. Make sure you know the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary Goa timings before you make it a part of your itinerary.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Shantadurga temple in Goa was located at Cavelossim till 1564. With the Portugese invasion during 1564, the temple was destroyed and the deity was shifted to Kavlem. After it was shifted to Kavlem, a small mud shrine was built for the deity. The founding stone was laid by the then Maratha ruler, Shahu Raje of Satara in the year 1730. In 1738, the construction of the temple was completed. The temple attracts a lot of devotees from all over the country, especially the devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Shantadurga temple in Goa is a more than 450 years old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Legend has it that Goddess Durga acted as a mediator for stopping a fight between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, at this very spot. This incarnation of the Goddess Durga has been named so, because “Shanta” refers to peace, and she made peace between the two Gods and saved the world from being destroyed with the anger of the two. The Shantadurga temple Goa houses an idol of the goddess, flanked by idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on both sides. The idol of the goddess is also shown holding two snakes, both of which represent Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
The original Shri Shantadurga temple in Goa was destroyed by the Portuguese in the year 1530, in Koloshi and so the new idol was brought to Ponda. The new Shri Shantadurga temple is located on the outskirts of the Kavalem Village in Goa, and was established in the 16th century as a small mud shrine. In the year 1730, it was converted into a beautiful temple, and it was renovated in the year 1966. The new Shantadurga temple in Goa also holds guesthouses for pilgrims and devotees for spending a few nights in, as well as a fire-pit for carrying out ceremonies. The Shantadurga temple contact number can be reached for making enquiries about donations and booking of the guesthouse.
History Of Shantadurga Temple In Goa
Shantadurga Temple in Goa is dedicated to Devi Shantadurga, a goddess who mediates between
Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. In colloquial terms, Shantadurga is also known as 'Santeri'. According to mythological texts, it is believed that a fierce battle was fought between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu which worried the supreme Lord Brahma. He prayed and requested Shiva’s wife, Goddess Parvati to intervene between Shiva and Vishnu, and the same was done by the Goddess in the form of Shantadurga where she held Vishnu on her right hand and Shiva on left to end the fight
The Shri Shantadurga temple Goa is located 33 kms from Panaji, on the outskirts of the Kavalem village. The Shantadurga Temple Goa postal address is Verem - Nerul Rd, Near Chamundeshwari Petrol Pump, Verem, Bardez, Goa, 403114
The Shantadurga Temple Goa timings are from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. On days of celebrations or special events, there might be long queues here to get inside, so plan accordingly.
Monday to Sunday
5:00 am - 10:00 pm
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