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SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
The dense forest that makes up most of the Cotigao Sanctuary in Goa hardly allows any light to trickle down to the jungle floor. Its vegetation is mostly moist-deciduous with semi-evergreen and evergreen patches. The sanctuary, established in 1969 to protect a remote area of forest lining the Goa-Karnataka border, is located in Canacona Taluka.
The vegetation, perennial streams and picturesque terrain are said to be a haven for wildlife. But, only if luck is on your side can you actually sight some. The Nature Interpretation Centre run by the Forest Department is useful for enthusiasts. It has a 25 m high treetop watchtower overlooking a waterhole that attracts animals around dawn and dusk.
Area: 86 sq. km
Animals found: Gazelle, chital, pangolin, sloth bear, porcupine, panther, hyena, monkey, wild boar and bison
When to go: Between October and March. The department provides snake-proof camping sites, canvas tents and reference material. The brave-hearted can opt for cots and mosquito nets provided by the department. But, it can get hot and humid in the jungle.
The Forest Department's eco-tourism complex at Hathipaul, on the fringes of the sanctuary, has four cottages.
How to go
By road: The sanctuary is about two km from Poinguinim, which is 10 km away from Chaudi, the main town of Cancacona on NH 17. A day trip is possible from Palolem beach, 12 km away. Any bus going to Karwar via Chaudi will drop you within two km of the sanctuary. Private transport is necessary to venture deep inside.
Permission: Written permission must be sought for an overnight stay, either in the watchtower or the Forest Department's complex.
Contact: The Deputy Conservator Of Forests, III Floor, Junta House, Panaji. Ph: 0832-2229701 and 2639265.
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