Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1968, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is Goa’s second-largest protected area, covering 86 square kilometers in the southern part of the state near the Goa-Karnataka border. It is a dense, moist deciduous forest with trees soaring up to 30 meters high, forming a near-impenetrable canopy that dramatically limits sunlight from reaching the forest floor. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by perennial streams and features diverse flora, including rare plants and medicinal herbs. While animal sightings of major predators like the leopard or tiger are rare, it is home to sloth bears, gazelles, spotted deer, wild boars, and a rich variety of birds and reptiles. The main attraction is the Nature Interpretation Centre and the 25-meter-high tree-top watchtowers.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
4 to 6 Hours:Place Type:
Wildlife/Nature Spot:Entry Fees:
Entry Fee: Rs.5 to Rs.200 per person (varies for Indian/Foreigner and Adult/Child; typically around Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.200 for others).
Camera Fees:
Still Camera: Rs.25.
Video Camer...Entry Fee: Rs.5 to Rs.200 per person (varies for Indian/Foreigner and Adult/Child; typically around Rs.5 for Indians and Rs.200 for others).
Camera Fees:
Still Camera: Rs.25.
Video Camera: Rs.150 (Always verify fees at the gate, as they are subject to change).
Vehicle Entry:
Four-Wheeler: Rs.150 to Rs.300.
Two-Wheeler: Rs.50 to Rs.100.
Guide Fees: Hiring a local guide or mandatory Forest Guard may cost an additional Rs.300 to Rs.500.Timing:
Regular Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. No entry is permitted after 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Dawn (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and Dusk (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) are the best times for animal and bird sightings near the water sources.Regular Timings: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. No entry is permitted after 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Dawn (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM) and Dusk (4:00 PM to 5:30 PM) are the best times for animal and bird sightings near the water sources.
Monsoon Timings: During heavy Monsoon (July and August), some inner trails might be closed for safety, but the sanctuary is open.Special Events:
Wildlife Census: The Forest Department conducts an annual or periodic wildlife census, which is a major event for conservationists, although not a public festival.
Forest Day/Environment Day: The sanctuary often hosts local educational and ...Wildlife Census: The Forest Department conducts an annual or periodic wildlife census, which is a major event for conservationists, although not a public festival.
Forest Day/Environment Day: The sanctuary often hosts local educational and awareness programs related to forestry, biodiversity, and environmental protection around June 5 (World Environment Day) and other key dates.
Local Tribal Festivals: The indigenous Velip and Kunbil tribes who live near and within the sanctuary celebrate their unique, small-scale traditional festivals and harvest rituals, which are rarely witnessed by tourists.Best Photo Spots:
The Tree-Top Watchtower View: Capture the misty forest canopy and the waterhole below at dawn for a dramatic wildlife shot.
Canopy Light Play: Photograph the stunning effect of dappled sunlight filtering through the dense, tall canopy, illu...The Tree-Top Watchtower View: Capture the misty forest canopy and the waterhole below at dawn for a dramatic wildlife shot.
Canopy Light Play: Photograph the stunning effect of dappled sunlight filtering through the dense, tall canopy, illuminating the forest floor.
Kuskem Waterfall: During the Monsoon, capture the lush greenery surrounding the cascading water.
Nature Trail Entrances: The start of the main trails, with their dense, towering trees, offers a great sense of scale and forest immersion.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Visit the Tree-Top Watchtowers: Go at dawn or dusk (around 7:00 AM or 5:00 PM) to the elevated platforms to patiently wait for animal sightings near the waterholes.
Nature Trails and Hiking: Explore the 8 designated forest trails. They range in difficulty and length (from 500m to 5km), offering excellent opportunities for trekking and experiencing the forest density.
Birdwatching: Carry binoculars to spot rare species like the Malabar Trogon, Indian Pied Hornbill, and various woodpeckers. The sanctuary is a birders' paradise.
Nature Interpretation Centre: Visit the center at the entrance to learn about the flora, fauna, and conservation efforts of the sanctuary through informative displays.
Private Vehicle Safari: With permiss...
Information
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Why Famous:
Tall Canopies: It is famous for its towering, old-growth trees, some reaching 30 meters, creating a dense canopy that barely lets sunlight through. This unique forest cover is the primary ecological highlight.
Tree-Top Watchtowers: The str...Tall Canopies: It is famous for its towering, old-growth trees, some reaching 30 meters, creating a dense canopy that barely lets sunlight through. This unique forest cover is the primary ecological highlight.
Tree-Top Watchtowers: The strategically placed 25-meter-high watchtowers offer visitors a vantage point to observe wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals visit the waterholes.
Biodiversity: As a major forest reserve, it plays a critical role in preserving the Goa-Karnataka border's diverse ecosystem, which includes flying squirrels, slender loris, and a plethora of bird species, making it a key spot for birdwatchers. -
Architecture:
Natural Forest Ecosystem: The architecture is purely ecological, representing a protected moist deciduous forest.
Dimensions: The sanctuary spans 86 square kilometers. The most notable man-made features are the Tree-Top Watchtowers, which a...Natural Forest Ecosystem: The architecture is purely ecological, representing a protected moist deciduous forest.
Dimensions: The sanctuary spans 86 square kilometers. The most notable man-made features are the Tree-Top Watchtowers, which are approximately 25 meters (80 feet) high, built near watering holes for wildlife viewing. The sanctuary has a network of 8 official nature trails ranging from 500 meters to 5 kilometers in length. There is also a basic Nature Interpretation Centre at the entrance, a simple government-run structure that houses information and exhibits about the local ecology. The accommodation provided by the Forest Department, if available, consists of simple, basic guesthouses or tents designed to blend into the environment with minimal architecture.
Eco-Friendly Structures: The focus is on natural conservation, with minimal concrete architecture, ensuring that the few structures like watchtowers and rest huts are primarily functional for conservation and observation. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Fly to Goa International Airport (Dabolim - GOI), which is approximately 80 KMS away. Hire a pre-booked taxi (approx. Rs.2,000) for the 2. 5-hour drive or take a bus to Margao and then transfer to Canacona.
By Train: The nearest maj...
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear sturdy, closed shoes for trekking. Be aware of leeches, especially during the Monsoon; carry salt or a repellent. No swimming in forest streams. Inform the Forest Guard if you plan a long trek.
Packing: Bring binoc...
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