Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in Canacona Taluka, South Goa, established in 1968 to conserve woodland along the Goa-Karnataka border. Covering 85.65 square kilometers, it is the southernmost protected area in Goa and features dense moist deciduous, semi-evergreen, and evergreen forests. The sanctuary is notable for its tall trees reaching 30 meters, diverse birdlife, treetop watchtowers overlooking watering holes, and eight nature trails ranging from 500 meters to 5 kilometers.

Visitors can explore dense multi-storied forests with tall trees where little sunlight reaches the ground. The sanctuary offers eight nature trails of varying lengths, six treetop watchtowers positioned 25 meters above watering holes for wildlife observation at dawn and dusk, and a Nature Interpretation Centre with exhibits and a mini-library. Facilities include an eco-tourism complex with cottages, a canteen, children's park, and forest rest house. Birdwatching opportunities are significant, with species like Malabar trogon and Indian pied hornbill present.

Established in 1968 to protect the exposed stretch of woodland on the Goa-Karnataka border that was home to various animal and bird species as well as rare old trees. It is one of Goa's oldest wildlife sanctuaries and the second largest in the state.

The sanctuary is home to ancient tribal groups including the Velip and Kunbil communities who live in and around the protected area. Visitors can interact with these communities to learn about their traditional culture and lifestyle. The vicinity also includes the ancient Jeevothan Partagal Math noted for Vedic studies and the famous temple of Parshurama opposite the Forest Rest House.