Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

Tucked away in the extreme southern corner of Goa along the Karnataka border, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is Goa's second-largest nature preserve, spanning over 86 square kilometers of lush, dense greenery. Unlike the bustling beaches Goa is famous for, Cotigao offers an untouched slice of the Western Ghats' magical biodiversity, characterized by ancient evergreen forest where multi-tiered tree canopies grow so thick that sunlight barely touches the forest floor in certain spots.One of the primary highlights of visiting Cotigao is the treehouse watchtower positioned 25 meters high atop a massive tree overlooking a natural waterhole. Visitors can climb up early in the morning or late afternoon to silently observe wildlife gathering to drink. The sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hikers who prefer quiet eco-trails over commercial tourist spots.Wildlife living within Cotigao includes the iconic Malabar giant squirrel, Indian bison (gaur), pangolins, slender loris, bark deer, wild boars, and various species of vipers and pit vipers. The rich avian population boasts species like the Malabar trogon, velvet-fronted nuthatch, heart-spotted woodpecker, and white-bellied woodpecker. Visitors can also explore the Nature Interpretation Centre at the entrance to learn about local forest conservation and indigenous tribal communities like the Velips and Kunbis who have coexisted with these woods for generations.