The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border. Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary - situated in Canacona talukas it covers an area of about 86 sq.kms. The area is mainly forested and there is not much of wildlife but for birds. Cotigao is perfect for the nature lover who wants to get down to the basics of naturalism by camping out with the wildlife and in amongst the vegetation. The tropical location of Goa is responsible for its warm humid climate and laterite and lateritic Clayey-loamy soil. The mean temperature even in the coldest month is over 20 degrees centigrades. The sanctuary comprises of some of the highest hills of the west region covered with moist deciduous, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests. The forest is home to wild animals like Indian Bison/Gaur, Barking deer, Sambar, Sloth Bear and Black Panther. Some rear birds like Shama, Crested Serpent Eagle, Malabar great Hornbill, Great Black Woodpecker etc., are spotted here. Goa is rich in wildlife and there are various parks and sanctuaries maintained here to preserve the wildlife. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March.

How to Reach You can hire taxi to reach the sanctuary then onwards. he nearest railheads from Cotigao are Margao (53 km) and Panaji (86 km). Buses ply to Karwar halt at Canacona from then onwards. Buses plying south on NH 17 to Karwar halt via Chaudi will drop you well within the periphery of 2 km. Dabolim airport is 75 km away from Cotigao. This airport has flights from almost all the major cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

Where to Stay A Forest Rest House is also available for you at Poinguinim, but it is mostly used by forest officers. In case you want to go for an overnight stay, either in watchtower or forest department's rest house, you should take the prior permission from Deputy Conservator Of Forests.