Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary located in South Goa Canacona taluka was established in 1968. The Sanctuary is home to huge forest trees and animals. Several tribes also live in and around the sanctuary. Tourists visiting the sanctuary can interact with them and get to know their culture and lifestyle. There is an echo tourism complex in front of the Sanctuary that has cottages, a library, a reception area, a rescue Centre, a children’s park, a nature interpretation centre and a forest Ranger office. This sanctuary also has a peaceful park where you can take quiet walks. This sanctuary is the second largest sanctuary in Goa. Cycling and trekking around this sanctuary are preferred activities.
Things To Remember Before Visiting Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
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Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary has very dense forests with tall trees nearly 30 m high. The forest has moist deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees and evergreen trees. There is a tree-top watchtower 25 m above a watering hole where animals in the Sanctuary go to drink water. Tourists visit the watchtower during the mornings and evenings to see the animals. There are many animals in the Sanctuary like flying squirrels, Indian pangolin, mouse deer, Malabar pit viper, white-bellied woodpecker, Golden black gliding snake, Malabar tree toad and many more.
There are 8 natural trials from the Sanctuary ranging from 500 m to 5 km long. Tribal groups like Velip and Kunbi live in and around the Sanctuary and tourists can communicate with them to learn about their culture and lifestyle. The Sanctuary is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with an entry fee of Rs 20 for adults 10 rupees for children 30 rupees for still cameras and 150 rupees for video cameras.
Must Read: Hidden Places In Goa
Places To Visit Near Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Here are a few places to visit near Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary to have a fun and memorable experience.
1. Palolem Beach
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Palolem Beach is located in southern Goa, which is a very famous tourist spot with many international tourists, especially during the winter season. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. Palolem is mainly inhabited by local fishermen and many foreign tourists living in sharks near the shore or the main village. The beach is 1.61 km long and in a crescent shape.
The beach is an ideal place for swimmers because the depth of the sea gradually increases, the beach is clean and the currents are not too fast. Palolem Beach was featured in The Bourne Supremacy as the main character’s residence in India. Activities like yoga classes, dolphin spotting trips, ayurvedic massages, silent discos, and fishing are included. Palolem Beach has breathtaking views, especially during sunset. There are other beaches near Palolem Beach, like Agonda Beach and Patnem Beach.
Location: Palolem Beach, Goa
Distance From Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: 23.6 km
2. Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
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Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary is located in South-eastern Goa. It covers the Western Ghats and has an area of 211 km square. Netravali is an important tributary of the River Zuari. The forest in the sanctuary has moist deciduous vegetation with semi-evergreen and evergreen habitats. There are also two waterfalls in this sanctuary. The sanctuary is adjacent to Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve on the eastern side, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary on the southern side and Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary on the northern side.
The sanctuary has a lot of flora and fauna and perennial streams. There are many species, like Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, chousingha, leopard, black sloth bear, and other herbivorous species. There are bird species like the rare Malayan night heron, Nilgiri wood pigeon, grey-headed bulbul, white-bellied blue flycatcher and many more. The sanctuary also has a few rare butterfly species, like the Malabar banded swallowtail, the Malabar banded peacock, the Malabar tree nymph, the Southern birdwing, the blue nawab, the black Rajah and the redspot Duke. It takes nearly 1 to 3 hours to explore this place. The sanctuary is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but after 3:30 p.m. entry is restricted. The entry fee to the sanctuary is Rs. 20.
Location: 36MJ+FR7 Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Unnamed Road, Neturlim, Netravli, Goa 403704
Distance From Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: 32.4 km
Suggested Read: Best Tourist Places To Visit In Goa
3. Cabo De Rama Fort
Image Credit: Klaus Nahr for Wikipedia
Cabo de Rama Fort located in Goa, on the coast of Canacona, is a mediaeval hillfort. It was originally known as Praca do Cabo de Rama. The Portuguese took control of this fort after Raja of Soonda surrendered his territory to protect Mysore from Hyder Ali in the 1760s. The present structure has moats, ramparts, turrets, a chapel and cannons from the Portuguese era. The Portuguese store 21 guns, military barracks, a commander’s quarter and a chapel. This fort has been shifted between Hindu and Muslim monarchs.
After the defeat of the king of Mysore in the 4th Anglo-Mysore War in 1979, the Portuguese took over this place. This fort was later changed into a government prison in 1955. Even though this Fort is partially ruined, it is a popular tourist destination in Goa. Inside the fort, a chapel is still in use. The cliffs of this fort are very steep, overlooking Colva Beach and Canacona Beach. This fort is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Location: 3WQC+GJ8 Cabo de Rama Fort, Taluka Cabo da Rama, Canacona, Goa 403702
Distance From Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: 44.5 km
4. Our Lady Of Gloria Church
Image Credit: अशोक सोयंके for Wikimedia Commons
Our Lady of Gloria Church, also known as the Nossa Senhora da Gloria Church, is in Varca, Goa. This church was founded by the Jesuits and erected in 1635. The present structure of the church observed was built in 1700. In 1998, a new parochial residence was inaugurated. This church was actually built in the 18th century with a tile-proof, long, wide, single nave and false transparent semi-circular niches.
The church has a striking facade based on the conch shell that affected radiating light. Semi-domes top the twin towers of the church, and the two upper stories are Romanesque. The north side of the tower house has another two-story gallery, which is believed to have been built in the 1800s or 1900s. Many devotees across the area visit this church to worship the statue of Christ, especially on the 27th of November. Church Fest is celebrated every second Sunday of November with great celebrations. This church is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: 6WJV+QHF Our Lady of Gloria Church, Varca, Goa 403721
Distance from Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: 54.7 km
Further Read: Shopping In Goa
Now that you know what to consider while travelling, plan your trip to Goa to have an unforgettable time. Before booking your tickets to Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, you must consider all the above information to enjoy a budget-friendly vacation and easily cover all the major places. So don’t delay and get your package booked now.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
What are the timings of the Sanctuary?
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 7 am - 5:30 pm on all days of the week. It takes nearly 2 - 3 hours to explore around the sanctuary.
How to reach Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary?
This sanctuary is 80 km away from Dabolim Airport and 53 km away from Madgaon Railway Station. Tourists from there can take bike rentals or local transportation like bus or taxi.
What are some famous beaches in Goa?
Beaches like Calangute Beach, Palolem Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach and Arambol Beach are very famous in South Goa..
Are there any adventurous activities in South Goa?
Adventurous activities like hot air balloon safari, paragliding, parasailing, ocean trek, scuba diving, kayaking, speed boating, river rafting and many more are available.
What to see in Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary?
A few things to see around are hiking into the forest, jeep safari, nature walks, camping at night, visiting waterfalls and learning about plants and animals.
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