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INTRODUCTION

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is supposed to be the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa established in the year 1969 at a distance of about 60kms away from Panaji. The Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over an area of about 86 square kilometres with a multi-storied forest geography. Nature is designed in such a way that even the sunlight cannot pass through this deep and thick forest. The Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary also boasts of two rivers the Talpona and the Galjibaga River. The main attraction of this sanctuary is the 30 meter high trees, 18 meter high treetop access ladders and numerous water holes thus providing the tourists with a rare opportunity to see wildlife in close. Though the strength of the wildlife in this sanctuary is decearsing, it still promises you to observe animals like Wild boars, Gaurs, Monkeys, Deer, Bison, Black Panther, Sloth Bears, Gazelles and Porcupines from a close quarter. It is an ideal place for a day's trip or if you are planning for a night stay you can go ahead by staying in the Forest Rest House which requires booking much in advance. Although the accommodation is taken care of, you might want to carry your own food and drinks, as these facilities are not easily available here. Apart from the wildlife the flora of this area is also quite interesting.

ORIENTATION

It is situated in Canacona Taluka, in the south of Goa which is about 2 km from Poinguinim at a distance of about 10 km away from Canacona town.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The ideal time to visit the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to March.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

Flora

The flora of the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary comprises of mainly tropical evergreen forest, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest.

The banks of the river and the terrains of higher altitudes are predominantly occupied by the evergreen type of forests.

Fauna

The fauna of this area includes Gazelles, Sloth Bears, Porcupines,Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Toddy Cat, Panthers, Hyenas, Wild Boars and Indian Bisons.The common winged visitors include rufous woodpeckers, white-eyed eagles and the Malabar crested eagle. The herbivores inhabitants of the forests are Deers (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse) Wild Boar, Porcupines Scaly Ant Eater, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. Gaur is another frequently spotted animal.

Shopping

There is nothing much to shop in and around Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.

EAT OUTS 1.Anant Palolem Beach, Canacona, India 0832 26514561.Anant Palolem Beach, Canacona, India 0832 2651456 2.Dropadi Restaurant Palolem Beach, Canacona, India 919326127437 3.Green Park Restaurant Palolem Beach Green Park Resort Canacona India 9225903552 4.Smugglers Canacona, India 00918322643354 5.cleopatra Palolem beach Canacona India 6.Cuba Main Street Palolem Canacona, India 7.Cuba Rajbag Near Hotel Intercontinental Rajbhag, Canacona 403702, India +91 9764442775 8.Cuba Bar and Restaurant Palolem High Street Palolem beach, Canacona 403702, India +91 9764442775 9.Cuba Beach Cafe Behind Syndicate Bank Palolem beach, Canacona 403702, India +91 9764442775 10.Home Asia India Goa Canacona Restaurants Green Park Restaurant Palolem Beach Green Park Resort Canacona, India 9225903552 ACCOMMODATION 1.Sea View Resort Patnem, Palolem, Goa – 403 702.  +91 8322643110/534 2.Om Sai Guest House Palolem Village Canacona Goa. INDIA - 403702 +91 99 234 82112 3.Agonda Beach Main Street Agonda Beach - 09545301100 4.Holiday Inn Resort Mobor Beach Cavelossim Goa 403731 0832 2871306 5.Bhaktikutir 296, Colomb, Palolem, Canacona - Goa, India. +91-832-2643469 / 72

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HOW TO REACH

By Air

The nearest airport is Dabolim (80km).

By Trains

The nearest railhead is at Canacona (12 km).

By Road

Poinguinim, 2 km away, is the nearest town. Poinguinim is 10 km away from Chaudi, the main town of Cancacona on NH17.