Canacona is situated in Southern part of Goa, at road distance of 60 km from capital city Panaji, towards the boundaries with Karnataka state.Canacona bounded by the picture perfect Sahaydri hills of the Western Ghats is also popular travel destination for strong Indo- Portuguese influence, in the culture, people, food and lifestyle of Goan people. Some of the most popular, frequently visited Goa beaches like Palolem beach and Cavelossim beach are among the prime tourists attractions of Canacona..
Till early 1990s, Canacona was just a Goan backwater. Palolem and Agonda beaches and the desolete Cabo de Rama Fort remained the only places where one could ever think of a holiday. Over the decade, the thirst to unveil the virgin beauty of nature led many travellers to the green hills of Canacona. Nestling on the basin of the shimmering Talpona River near the Karnataka border is the stunning 86-sq km sanctuary of Cotigao. Applauded as Goa's second-largest wildlife sanctuary, Cotigao is credited with some of the tallest trees in Goa - some even 30 metres high! Seeing varied species of wildlife in the dark, deep patches is an all time adventure here. The sanctuary affords its own accommodation at the Eco-Tourism Cottages at Hattipal. You can also enjoy a memorable stay in the Forest Department's scenic but simple resthouse on the Poinguinim highway, some 4 km away from the sanctuary.