Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Goa

Information about Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary Goa

Location: Canacona district of South Goa

State: Goa

Capital: Panji

Language: Konkani, Hindi, English, Marathi

Temperature: Max 33˚C, Min 26˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)

Best Season: March to June

How to Reach:

By Air :
Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.

By Rail :
It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.

By Road:
Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.

Main Attractions: Diverse wildlife and vegetation, high watchtowers, Nature Interpretation Center.

Established in 1969, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 60 kilometers from Panaji towards the south. It was established in the year 1969 to protect the vulnerable flora and fauna of that area. Cotigao sanctuary is the second largest sanctuary in Goa and covers an area of 86 square kilometers. The Talpona River flows all the way through this preserve. The park has a 25-meter high treetop watchtower for watching wild animals as they visit the waterholes to quench their thirst. Nonetheless, you will be required to arrange your own vehicle to visit the sanctuary, as the Forest Department provides no vehicles.

Though the forested land shelters a variety of birds and animals, the number of animals in this sanctuary has started to dwindle over the years. One can still come across sloth bears, deer, wild boars, laughing hyenas and Indian Bisons. Various reptiles and monkeys can also be easily sighted. Birds like the Rufus Woodpecker, white-eyed eagle and the Malabar crested eagle constitute the avian life that thrives here. Apart from the animal life, the extensive forestland is welcomed as a pleasant change.

Though it is possible to cover the entire sanctuary in a day, you can stay in the accommodations provided by the forest department a little away from the sanctuary. Bookings should be done well in advance, as the accommodations are limited in number. You can also book tents on the spot at the Nature Interpretation Center, which is located at the opening to the park. Though the accommodation is taken care of, it is advisable to bring your own food and drinks, as these facilities are not easily available.