Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Information :
Location: Canacona district of South Goa
How to Reach: Well connected by NH 17 from the main town of Canacona.
Best season: October to March
Main Attractions: Diverse wildlife and vegetation, high watchtowers, Nature Interpretation Center.
About the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa :
At a distance of 60km south from Panaji, is located the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1969. It is the second largest sanctuary in Goa and covers an area of 86 sq kms. The Talpona River flows through this preserve. Getting to the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a little tedious.
The forested land provides shelter to a number of birds and animals. However, the number of animals in this sanctuary has decreased over the years. Yet one still comes across sloth bears, deer, wild boars, hyenas, and Indian bisons. Reptiles and monkeys too can be easily spotted. Birds like the rufous woodpecker, white-eyed eagle and the Malabar crested eagle form a part of the avian life that abounds here. But, apart from the animal life, the expansive forestland also comes as a welcome change.
The park has a 25 meter high treetop watchtower for watching animals as they visit the waterholes. However, you will need your own vehicle to visit the sanctuary as no vehicles are provided by the forest department.
It is possible to cover the entire span of the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary in a single day’s trip. However, should you want to spend some more time with nature, you can always stay at the Forest Rest House. You could face problems here as well, as there is only 1 room available at the rest house, so the booking has to be done well in advance. You can also book tents on the spot at the Nature Interpretation Centre, at the entrance to the park. Although the accommodation is taken care of, you might want to carry your own food and drinks, as these facilities are rare.
Flora at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary :
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary stands out for its wealth of verdant forests and luxuriant green canopy. The vegetation in the sanctuary is mostly moist-deciduous type, with sporadic patches of semi-evergreen and evergreen forests.
Fauna at Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary :
If you are in search of a sanctuary teeming with a plethora of wildlife species, Cotigao will disappoint you. The sparse animal population consists of Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers, Hyenas, Wild Boars and Indian Bisons. The common winged visitors include rufous woodpeckers, white-eyed eagles and the Malabar crested eagle.
How to Reach Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary :
by Air : The nearest airport is Dabolim (80km).
by Rail : The nearest railhead is at Canacona (12 km).
by Road : Poinguinim, 2 km away, is the nearest town. Poinguinim is 10 km away from Chaudi, the main town of Cancacona on NH17.
