Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 86 square kilometres of forest in Canacona taluka, in the far south of Goa. It was established in 1968 to protect the forests of the Western Ghats foothills. The sanctuary is home to gaur, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, flying squirrels and many species of birds and reptiles. One of its highlights is a set of tall treetop watchtowers, which let visitors observe wildlife near waterholes from above the canopy. Nature trails pass through dense moist deciduous and evergreen forest. Several tribal communities live in villages within or near the sanctuary. The best time to visit is early morning in the dry season. It is worth the trip for a quiet wildlife experience close to the South Goa beaches.