Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Factfile
Location : In east Canacona Taluka, 86 kms from Goa's Capital, Panaji. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is just 2 kms from Poinguinim, which is 10 kms away from Canacona town.
Area : 85.65 sq. km
Major Attractions : Gaur, Wild Boar, Two Species of Monkeys, Sloth bear, Sambar, Chital.
Best Time to Visit : October to March
Timings : 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Entry Fee : Adult Rs. 5, Child Rs. 2, Additional charges for camera and vehicle.
Camera Charges : Still Camera Rs. 25, Video Camera Rs. 100.
Vehicle Entry : Two wheelers Rs. 10, Cars Rs. 50, Mini buses/ Vans Rs. 100.

Introducing Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
If you have a desire to view multi-storeyed forests where hardly any light finds it way to the ground, then Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1969, to save the forest lining the border of Goa and Karnataka. Occupying 85.65 sq. kms of mixed deciduous woodland, this wildlife sanctuary is certain to inspire the tree lovers. The Talpona River flows through the sanctuary, while the Galjibaga River runs along the south-eastern boundary of Cotigao.

The road inside the wildlife sanctuary is fairly difficult in some parts and will test your navigational skills. However, as you walk through the wildlife sanctuary, the cool lush greenery will rejuvenate your senses. Listen to the bird songs and other types of forests sounds all through your trip in the sanctuary.

Flora of the Sanctuary
Vegetation of the Cotigao sanctuary mainly comprise the moist-deciduous type tree, with some trees attaining heights up to 30 metres. The moist-deciduous vegetation is interspersed with evergreen and semi-evergreen forests.

Fauna of the Sanctuary
Limited wildlife sights are available at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, as its tigers and leopards were hunted out long ago. You stand a good chance of spotting two species of Monkey, Wild boars and Gaurs. Apart from these animals, you may also spot other animals like Langur, Deer, Bison, Pangolin, Black panther, Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas.
Activities You Can Take Part In
Trek along the mud trails, take the trial at Bhutpal and climb the 18 m high ladder into a treetop shelter for a splendid view of a nearby waterhole and its picturesque surroundings. Further walk to tranquil location of Bela Lake, which is inside the sanctuary just 2.5 kms from the Hathipal Eco-tourism complex. For an interesting diversion, visit the Nature Interpretation Centre, which has several Botanical and faunal exhibits.

Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary has several charming bandharas and waterholes. Climb into the 3m high watchtower at the Tulsimol, from where you can see the animals who come to drink water, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.

Nearby Attractions
Eco-tourism Wing : Established by the Forest Department, the Nature Interpretation Centre is a repository of valuable knowledge. It offers basic facilities such as canvas tents, snake-proof camping sites, reference material and loading of goodwill. If you really wish to rough it out, there is no end of options for you. The thick forests, ever flowing streams and splendid undulating terrain together make an ideal place for a unique wildlife refuge.

Palolem Beach : You can plan one day's picnic at the picturesque Palolem or Galjibaga beach, which is 12 kms west of Chaudi. Its crescent shaped bay is lined with swaying coconut palms and vast expanses of clean white sands, which make the beach photogenic.

Jeevotham Parthagal Math : Located close to the sanctuary, the centuries old Math is a renowned centre for Vedic studies.

Parshurama Temple : Dedicated to Lord Parshurama, the temple stands at Poinguinim, just 3 kms away from Hathipal. According to ancient mythology, Lord Parshurama has created Goa.

Kuskem Temple : Situated at a distance of 12 kms from Hathipal, the ancient temple at Kuskem is worth visiting.

Where to Stay
You may stay at the Forest Department's Hathipal Eco-tourism Complex which has a 6-bedded cottage, a 3-bedded cottage and 5 thatched tents. Hathipal Eco-tourism Complex is open between October to April. A Forest Rest House is also available at Poinguinim that is mostly used by forest officers. For an overnight stay, either in the watchtower or the forest department's rest house, you have to take prior permission from the Deputy Conservator Of Forests.

How to Reach
Cotigao is 75 kms away from the Dabolim airport. The airport has flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. From the airport, you have to hire taxi to reach the sanctuary. Margao (53 kms) and Panaji (86 kms) are the nearest railheads from Cotigao. From Margao and Panaji, buses ply to Karwar halt at Canacona. The buses running south on NH 17 to Karwar halt via Chaudi will drop you within 2 km of the gates.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Packages

Goa Tour in India (05 Days) Features : On day four of your Goa Tour in India, you may go on an optional trip of Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated on the Goa-Karnataka border, Cotigao gives you a good chance of spotting wild animals like Monkeys, Wild boars , Gaurs, Langurs, Deers, Bison, Pangolin, Black Panthers etc. Trek along the mud trails of the sanctuary, or climb above the 3 metre high watchtower to spot the wild animals.

India by Day & Night (31 Days) Features : India by Day and Night will take you to the wildlife sanctuaries and parks of Goa. On day 19, this tour provides you an excellent opportunity to visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Canacona taluka. Visit the wildlife sanctuary to see wild animals like Black Panthers, Wild boars, Monkeys, Gaurs, Langurs, Deers, Bison, Pangolin etc. Enhance the pleasure of your trip by undertaking a trekking expedition in the sanctuary.

Rajasthan Heritage & Goa (22 Days) Features : On day 19, most of the day is meant for visiting the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa. Rajasthan Heritage and Goa Package will take you to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, which houses a wide array of wild animal as well as bird species. This tour provides you a good chance of seeing faunal species like Black Panthers, Wild boars, Gaurs, Deers, Bison, Langurs, Monkeys etc.

Best of South India (13 Days) Features : Blessed with a rich variety of forests, Goa is home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and parks which preserve abundant habitat of wild animals as well as birds. On Best of South India tour, you may visit the five attractive wildlife sanctuaries namely Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.