As a change from the beaches we decided to try a wildlife safari (it was too early in the season for birdwatching, otherwise we'd probably have tried that instead). We chose to go with Canopy Tours (www.canopygoa.com/Phone [--], [--]), for a day trip to the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary.

We ended up having a fantastic day, exceeding our expectations.

First - what it is not - you won't see large animals. So while locals claim to have seen leopards, deer, gour and even a tiger, its pretty unlikely you'll come across anything bigger than a monitor lizard (at least that was the biggest we saw). I guess if you are willing to reach the waterhole around dawn you'll see the larger herbiviores.

However, what you will see is a lush jungle with a profusion of butterflies, birds and smaller animals. Our kids (10 and 7 year old) had a great time trying to identify the butterflies, spot birds (we saw woodpeckers, hornbills, a raptor and dozens of smaller birds), and even come up close and personal with some pretty exotic spiders and smaller animals. Its not spectacular stuff like an African safari, but very nice indeed.

We started off early morning, stopping for a simple breakfast of bread, butter and jam in the outskirts of the forest. Apart from driving to the central water hole in a Gypsy, we walked a short distance to a high 'machan' or lookout spot.

The guides - two young brothers, Pankaj and Gaurish - were very well informed about the local fauna and kept our kids engaged. Their passion for the environment and the birds and animals of the Western Ghats was infectious. As guides, I'd highly recommend them - we are now planning a birdwatching trip to Goa and will certainly use their help again.

We'd recommend it for families that want to try something different from the regular Goa experience.