If
one wants to see multi-storeyed forests with
tall trees and rare plants, where hardly any
light reaches the ground, Cotigao Sanctuary
is the place to go to. It touches the
border of Karnataka state and in the lean
season, several gaurs are known to come into
Cotigao from its neighbourhood. The vegetation
is mostly moist-deciduous type, interspersed
with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches.
Location: It is situated in Canacona Taluka,
in the south of Goa. It lies at about 2 km
from Poinguinim , which is 10 km away from
Canacona town. Poinguinim falls on NH -17.
So the approach is very convenient.
Easiest approach: Panaji : 85 km
Dabolim airport : 75 km Margao : 50 km
The Nature Interpretation Centre run by the
Forest Department is a valuable repository
of knowledge. At present, the Department is
capable of providing rudimentary facilities
like snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents,
reference material and loads of goodwill.
For those who really want to rough it out,
there is no end of possibilities.
If you are brave enough, the Forest Dept
can provide cots and mosquito-nets. The Forest
Department has one two-bedded suite available
at Poinguinim, 2 km. away from the Sanctuary.
The dense forests, perennial streams, and
picturesque undulating terrain provide for
a unique wildlife refuge.
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, was established
in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable
area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border.
Encompassing 86-sq-kms of mixed deciduous
woodland, the reserve is certain to inspire
tree lovers, but less likely to yield many
wildlife sightings: its tigers and leopards
were hunted out long ago, while the Gazelles,
Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas
that allegedly lurk in the woods rarely appear.
Visitors however, stand a good chance of
spotting at least two species of Monkey, a
couple of Wild Boar and the odd Gaur. The
sanctuary is best visited between the months
of October and March. Cotigao is a peaceful
and scenic park that makes a pleasant day
trip from Palolem beach, 12-km northwest.
Write
to us for Cotigao wildlife sanctuary tour
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