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.
