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Best Tourism Village 2023 - Bronze Category

Cotigao village is located in the Canacona taluka of South Goa, India, situated 23 km from Canacona and 60 km from Margao. It is part of the Cotigao Forest Reserve and is protected by the Goa Forest Department. The village, which is also a gram panchayat, has a population of 3,280 residents and offers accommodations at “The Earthen Nest,” with 6 rooms and 12 beds. The village is known for its unique wildlife, including the black (melanistic) leopard, sloth bear, and painted bat.

Cotigao’s theme centers on tribal culture and heritage, alongside its natural attractions. The village promotes sustainable employment through the utilization of local resources, including the Cotigao Sanctuary, Kuskem Waterfall, and Butterfly Park. Jaggery production is a significant activity that sustains the local economy.

Cotigao, a village rich in over five centuries of history, is a living testament to harmony between nature and culture. Nestled within the lush Cotigao Forest Reserve, this village, safeguarded by the Goa Forest Department, is a hidden gem of biodiversity.

Beyond its abundant wildlife, Cotigao is a place where tradition and nature coexist seamlessly. The practice of Bharad Farming integrates deeply with the landscape, and sacred groves serve as guardians of the village’s heritage.

The village’s cultural richness is evident in the ancient Shishirani festival, the revered Kasmakade, where key community decisions are made, and the Lokotsav, a vibrant celebration of tribal life and the bounty of the Mhadei River. Cotigao is a harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, inviting visitors to experience its vibrant spirit and deep connection to the environment.

Nearby Attractions

  • Shri Mallikarjun Temple, Kuskem
  • Kasmakade, Badem
  • Shri Mallikarjun Temple, Avem
  • Butterfly Park
  • Kuskem Waterfalls

Initiatives/Events/Activities

  • Goa’s regulations prohibit commercial construction, agricultural conversion, and changes to forest land to protect the environment for future generations.
  • The village has achieved 100% solid waste management with door-to-door collection and the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.
  • A ban on single-use plastic and the provision of individual household toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin.
  • Cotigao is part of the Goa Tourism Department’s “Tourist Village Development Scheme, 2021,” and is developing a tribal market as part of the Lokotsav event to highlight local products.
  • The village promotes MSMEs such as jaggery-making and bamboo handicrafts, empowering women through Self Help Groups (SHGs).
  • Under the “Tourist Development Scheme 2021,” the village is proposing infrastructure improvements to support tourism and strengthen the local economy.
  • The panchayat has implemented disaster management schemes to prepare for monsoon-related calamities.
  • The village continues its centuries-old tradition of jaggery production, involving women’s SHGs in commercial activities, and community participation in decision-making remains a cornerstone of village life.

Impact

  • The Lokotsav event annually draws numerous participants, offering a platform to showcase tribal lifestyle, arts, and local produce from the Mhadei wildlife region.
  • The village plans to collaborate with the Goa Tourism Department to promote homestays and provide training through the Tourist Guide Scheme.
  • The panchayat’s Vision Document supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering sustainability and global community goals. Tribal Welfare Schemes benefit 97% of the tribal population, supporting community development.
  • The village continues to honor its cultural heritage through events like the Shisshirani festival and Kasmakade, which are over 200 years old.
  • The proposed tribal market will reduce dependence on the distant Canacona market (20 km away), strengthening the local economy.
  • NABARD supports women’s entrepreneurship, empowering the village market and demonstrating a commitment to inclusive economic growth.
  • The implementation of homestay and tourist guide policies will increase the village’s tourism revenue and foster further development.