If you are flocking to Goa anytime soon, we wonder if there is anything up your alley other than the beaches! While we agree that the blissful beaches surely account for engrossing experiences, the gifted land of Goa is blessed with other plentiful presents from Mother Nature as well. One amongst these is the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the adjoining peripheries of Goa and Karnataka in the Canacona Taluka, South Goa district.
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Housing dense forests with towering trees, the sanctuary will leave you spellbound with not just the striking fauna but also the splendid flora. Providing habitat to a large number of threatened species, the biodiversity reserve has 8 paths for exploration stretching over 500 meters to 5 km. Amongst the inhabitants, you are sure to be bewitched by flying squirrels, Indian pangolin, hump-nosed pit viper, mouse deer, flying lizards, panthers, hyenas, the Malabar tree toad, sloth bears, gazelles, four-horned antelopes and avifauna too.
Although witnessing the best of wildlife while on a safari ride is the most treasured activity here, you may also love to visit the interpretation centre for an engaging rendezvous with everything that finds a home in the sanctuary. Be it talking to the forest dwellers or a silent stroll along the natural streams, the experiences found here are spectacularly different from the common Goan escapades. If wildlife is what woos you here, you must not miss hitting the watch-towers at the time when animals step out!
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Distanced by around 90-km from Panaji, you can travel to Cotigao by taking a private vehicle or a public bus from there. From the Goa International Airport, there are two options for traversing your way to Cotigao. You may either take a cab journey of over 2 hours or travel to Poinguinim and then take a bus from the KTC stand.
If you happen to hit Cotigao, you should also include Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Kuskem Waterfall and Sadashivgad Hill Fort in your schedule. Not to forget, early mornings or just before dusk, make for the best times for winning an unforgettable experience!
While October to March are the best months to plan a trip to this sanctuary, you must avoid a trip during the monsoon season if you do not wish to miss out on the thrilling sights of the wildlife. A tour of the sanctuary is priced at ₹5 & ₹2 for adults and minors, respectively, with still cameras being allowed at an additional charge of ₹25 and camcorders at ₹100.
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While the Goa tourism scene is often overshadowed by pomp and party, it would not make for a wholesome trip if you miss such interesting adventures, hidden from the ordinary visitor's eye! If you are somebody who revels amidst the choicest kinds of flora and fauna, Cotigao surely deserves a top spot on your itinerary.
Timings: 7 AM to 5:30 PM (Open on all days)
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