Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Goa-Karnataka border in the Canacona, South Goa. Since 1968, the sanctuary has played a key role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the area. This sanctuary boasts multiple observation decks concealed amongst the foliage. They give you an uninterrupted view of the watering hole, where the animals come to quench their thirst. If you would like to stay on-site, you can find accommodation in and around the sanctuary provided by the Forest Department. However, be sure to request permission and make the bookings in advance.

Highlights

• This sanctuary boasts multiple observation decks concealed amongst the foliage

• All the decks are at least 25m off ground level and mostly around tall trees

• Get an uninterrupted view of the watering hole where the animals usually make an appearance

• Visit the Nature Interpretation Centre, which is a repository of facts and knowledge about the animals, birds, and trees of the area

• You can hike through the sanctuary

• There at eight trails that traverse the Wildlife Sanctuary and they vary in length from 500m to up to 5kms

• This land is also home to some of the ancient tribes of Goa, like the Velip and the Kunbil

• The sanctuary is home to the flying squirrel, slender loris, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, four-horned antelope, Malabar pit viper, hump-nosed pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, speckled piculet, Malayan bittern, draco or flying lizard, golden-back gliding snake, and Malabar tree toad.

• If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas

• Many of these animals prefer to keep themselves and stick to the thick underbrush