Major wildlife sanctuaries and reserves of Andhra Pradesh

Alisagar Deer Park (AP)

Alisagar Deer Park is located in Nizamabad district of Andhra Pradesh. The Nizam constructed the Alisagar reservoir in 1931. Flanked by natural hillocks and lovely flower gardens, the lake and its surroundings are rich in scenic beauty. Near the reservoir is situated the Alisagar Deer Park, which was established in 1985. The park hosts many deer species. This is a good picnic spot for tourists.

Coringa Sanctuary (AP)

Coringa Sanctuary is located near Kakinada port in East Godavari District along Bay of Bengal. It is at a distance of 20-km from Kakinada and 70-km from Rajahmundry by road. It is renowned for reptiles and the most famous ones are the salt-water crocodiles. The total area of sanctuary is part of delta of the river Godavari. It covers a total area of 235.70-sq-km and forms a part of the Godavari mangroves. It was declared as a sanctuary in July 1978 to conserve the mangrove vegetation of the estuary.

Flora: Mangroves are a group of salt tolerant plant species, which occur in the tropical and subtropical initial estuary regions. Mangroves constitute a dynamic ecosystem with a complex association of both floral and faunal species of terrestrial and aquatic systems and the vegetation in this forest is of evergreen type.

Mangroves provide different kind of niches for a variety of animal populations required. The crowns of trees including trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits provide niches essentially, to terrestrial fauna like birds, mammals and insects. The Soil Surface of mangroves provides niche for mudskippers, crabs and molluscs. The Sanctuary has a unique distinction of having an 18-km long sand spit in the North Eastern side, where the species of olive Ridley sea turtle (endangered species) nests during January-March of every year.

Fauna: The habitat is suitable for the salt-water crocodiles. The water in the forest supports a variety of animals. One can find animals like the Fishing Cats, Otters, Jackals, Estuarine Crocodiles, Sea Turtles and birds like Sea gulls, Pelicans, Storks, Herons, Snipes, Ducks and Flamingos.

Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

It is 55- km from Warangal. The sanctuary is located near the Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra border. It is one of the oldest sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh. In the year 1952 on 30th January the erstwhile Hyderabad Government because of its rich bio-diversity declared it as a sanctuary.

Fauna: A perennial water source called "Dayyam Vagu", divides the sanctuary into almost two halves. It is home to Tiger, Leopard, Panther, Wolf, Wild Dogs, Jackals Sloth Bear, Chousingha, Black Buck, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Four Horned Antilope, Chinkara, Black Buck Giant Squirrels and many kinds of birds. Reptiles like Crocodiles (Mugger), Python, Cobra, Kraite, Star.

Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary (AP)

Gundla Brahmeswaram Sanctuary lies between Kurnool and Prakasam districts, at a distance of 30-km. It is situated on Gundla Brahmeshwaram plateau running south north of the Nallamallai hill range, with cuts and broken hill ranges, valleys and plateaus. A perennial river by name 'Gundlakamma', crosses through the sanctuary. The sanctuary presents a varied habitat for wild life.Fauna: Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Hyena, Jungle cat, Langur, Bonnet monkey, Pangolin, Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsinga, Chinkara, Mouse deer, Monitor lizard, Python and Marsh crocodile are found here.

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (AP)

The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park is located in Vishakhapatnam amidst the scenic eastern ghats of India, flanked by hills on either side and Bay of Bengal on the east. It was declared open to the public on 19th May 1977. This park spreads over 425 acres of land. It is one of the largest Zoo Parks in Andhra Pradesh. It has a rich and varied collection of over 80 wild species.

Kaundinya Sanctuary (AP)

This sanctuary is located 50-km from Chittoor and 120-km from Bangalore by road. It covers an area of 358-sq-kms. The habitat of Kaundinya sanctuary is rugged with high hills and deep valleys. The Kaigal and Kaundinya are two streams, which flow through the sanctuary. Fauna: Tourists can find a wide variety of animals like Cheetal, Four horned Antelope, Sambhar, Mouse Deer, Hare, Porcupine, Wild boar, Jungle Cat, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Panther, Jungle Fowl, Peafowl's and Elephants.

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jannaram 50-km from Mancherial, Adilabad district and is 260-kms from Hyderabad. It was established in 1965 and was originally managed as a 'Game Reserve'. Fauna: Animals like Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Muntjac (barking deer), Indian Bison (Gaur), Sloth Bear, Panther, Tiger and variety of birds like Peacocks, Patridges, Quails, Vultures, Eagles, Kites, Owls, Mynas, Pigeons, Tree - pies, Kingfishers are seen in the sanctuary. One can find reptiles like Python, Crocodile, Star Tortoise, Cobra, Kraite, and Monitor Lizard

Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

This Wildlife Sanctuary lying on the Right Bank of the Godavari River forms a part of the Dandakaranya forests in Khammam district. It is situated 12-km from Paloncha, Khammam District. It extends over an area of 635.4-sq-kms It derives its name from the river Kinnerasani, which bisects the sanctuary and ultimately drains into the Godavari River. Fauna: Animals like Cheetal, Black Bucks, Chinkaras, Chousinghas, Sambhars, Wild Boars, Gaurs, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackals, Sloth Bear, Panthers, Tigers, and a variety of bird species like Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Qualis, Partridges, Doves, Ducks, Teals, Spoonbills, Nuktas, Open bill stork, come to nest and graze in Kinnersani lake. Reptiles like Python, Cobra, Kraite and Vipers can also be seen.

Kolleru Bird Sanctuary (AP)

It is located 60-km away from Vijayawada near Eluru, West Godavari district. It is the largest fresh Water Lake in the country. This sanctuary extends over 673-sq-km (depending on water spread) of wetland and marshes surrounding the Kolleru Lake, between the Krishna and Godavari deltas. It is described as "Peerless Fisherman's Paradise and Birds heaven" in the Imperial Gazetteer. It receives water from four rivers, namely Budameru, Ramileru, Tammileru and Errakalva and 18 drains. This lake empties its water into the Bay of Bengal, every 6 months through an outlet called 'Upputera'.

A Pelican Haven: This lake supports a rich biodiversity and high biomass of fish, plankton that forms the source of food for birds. Pelicans arrive here during the nesting season to raise their young. In winter great activity can be seen here. The babble of Pelicans can be heard a quarter of a mile away. Apart from pelicans, one can find grey herons, white ibis, pond herons, egrets and many migratory ducks and water birds.

Fauna: Birds like Teals and Pintails are the main species. Other species include painted storks, open bill storks, grey Herons, cormorants, white Ibises, glossy Ibises, egrets, Reef Herons, Ducks, Coots, Shovellers, Terns, Jacanas, Moorhens etc can be seen here.

Krishna Sanctuary (AP)

Krishna Sanctuary is located near Avanigadda village extending over 194.81-km. Mangrove forest on the estuary of river Krishna harbouring Fishing Cat, Otter Jackal, Estuarine crocodile and a variety of seasonal birds.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park (AP)

It is located in Vanasthalipuram, about 15-km from the centre of the town. This park is one of the important tourist attractions of Hyderabad. The Forest Department maintains this park.

The once the Nizam's hunting grounds is now home for a few hundred black buck along with several species of birds. The Deer Park has an undulating terrain, of 189 hectares dominated by acacia trees. It provides the much-needed safe haven essential for the existence of black buck. It is also home to a hundred species of birds, and pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants can be sighted almost always.

Manjira Bird Sanctuary (AP)

Manjira Bird Sanctuary is located near Sangareddy in Medak district spreading over 20-sq-km. It is a small sanctuary located along the river Manjira. It supports Riverine habitat. It is home for many water bird species, mugger crocodiles and fresh water turtles. Fishes of various species like Catla, Rahu, Murrel, Ech Paten, Karugu, Chidwa and reptiles like Monitor Lizards, Fresh Water Turtles, Cobra and Marsh Crocodiles can be seen here. Different species of birds found here are Painted Storks, Herons, Coots, Teals, Cormorants, Pochards, Black and White Ibises, SpoonBills, and Open Billed Storks etc.

Nehru Zoological Park (AP)

Nehru Zoolgical Park is located in Hyderabad and was declared open to the public on 6th October 1963. It spreads over 400 acres and is the premier picnic spot for the twin-cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

Fauna: Primates like Chimpanzee from Central Africa, Mandrill, Orangatun, Chacma, Olive and yellow baboons (in open islands) etc. and Indian primates include Rhesus, Bonnet, and Monkeys (stump-tailed, lion-tailed and pig-tailed), Golden and common langurs are housed in the zoo. Carnivores like African and Indian lions, Tigers, panthers, jackals, wolves, hyenas, bears etc and reptiles like Giant/ Star tortoises, water turtles, Estuarine crocodiles in open pools, Monitor lizards and chameleons share enclosures, hooded Indian Cobra, Russels Viper, Giant rock-python, tree snakes etc are all found in the zoo. Elephants, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Zebras, American bison, Antelopes, Black buck, Chousingha, Chinkara, Deer, Sambhar, Brow Antler Deer etc. are the herbivores you can enjoy watching.

A Safari Expedition: This Park is one of the biggest zoos in Asia with over 250 species. The zoo is the first in India to have lion safari and tiger safari. The zoos' undulating landscape provides a natural setting displayed in large habitat-simulating enclosures. Inside the zoo grounds is a Natural History Museum.

Nelaputta Bird Sanctuary (AP)

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is in Nelapattu village. It is located on the East Coast about 20-km north of the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary in the Nellore district. It is just 50-km from Chennai. The Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest pelican habitats in Southeast Asia. The total area of the sanctuary is 404-kms.

Fauna: This sanctuary provides fine breeding ground for rare and endangered species like Grey Pelicans, Open-Billed Storks, Little Cormorants, Spoon-Bills, White-Ibises and Night Herons. It is a small fresh water irrigation tank with Barringtonia trees spread in the water, which can withstand inundation for longer periods in the tank bed. The birds for perching and nesting prefer the foreshore areas. It is a best visiting place for the migratory birds for a long time apart from it more than 1,500 pelican's breed here every year. It is also considered as an ideal roosting place for many birds like egrets, terns and ducks.

Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary is located 50-km from Warangal, along the shoreline of Pakhal Lake and is named after it. It is a manmade lake, completed in 1213 AD by the Kakatiyas. The sanctuary is spread over 860-sq-km consisting of a large plateau surrounded by low hills. This sanctuary is home to Spotted Dear, Sambhar, Nilghai, Wild Boar, Guar, Python, Wild Dogs, Foxes, Jackals, Hyena, Sloth Bear, Panther, Tiger, Ducks, Teals, Cormorant, Spoon Bills, and Storks etc. It has wide variety of jungle birds and several water birds that spend the winter here.

Papikonda Sanctuary (AP)

Papikonda wildlife sanctuary is located in three districts - Khammam, East Godavari and West Godavari. It is 50-km from Rajahmundry and extends over 591-sq-km. It lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari and cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats. Fauna: The habitat is suited for Tigers, Gaurs, Panther and other animals like Spotted Deer, Four Horned Antelope, Sambar, Hyena, Jackals, Sloth Bear, Muggers. The presence of Gharials was also reported. A variety of both resident and migratory birds are found along river Godavari and its tributaries

Pocharam Sanctuary (AP)

Pocharam sanctuary is located on the shores of Pocharam Lake and is named after it. It is 120-km away from Hyderabad, in Medak district. It extends over an area of 130-sq-km and lies between Medak and Nizamabad districts. In 1952 the Nizam of Hyderabad State, because of its richness in floral and faunal composition declared this area as wildlife sanctuary. Fauna: Large flocks of migratory birds like Bar-headed goose, Brahminy ducks, Painted storks etc are attracted towards the lake in the sanctuary. Animals like Leopard, Jungle Cat, Wild Dog, Wolf, Jackal, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Chital, Four-Horned Antilope are mainly found here.

Pranahitha Wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

It is located in Chinnur- Mancherial forest division, Adilabad district, about 300-km north east of Hyderabad. This sanctuary spreads over 136-sq-kms along the Pranahita River with an undulating terrain. The habitat found here are dry deciduous teak forests. The various species of animals found here are Cheetal, Black Buck, Nilgai, Sloth Bear, Panther, and Tiger. A variety of birds including Brahminy Ducks, Teals, Storks and Herons can also be seen here.

Pulicat Sanctuary (AP)

Pulicat Sanctuary is located 60-km from Chennai, spreading over Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It covers a total area of 500-sq-km. It is famous as the second largest brackish water lagoon in India along the coast of Bay Bengal. Backwaters of the sea attract large numbers of migratory water birds. It is also a well-known feeding and breeding ground for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial birds.

Fauna: The most important bird species who visit this lake is Flamingo. About 15,000 Flamingos visit Pulicat every year. Other birds found here are Pelicans, Painted Storks, Open Billed Storks, Grey Herons, Cormorants, White Ibises, Spoon Bills, Egrets, Reef Herons, Spot Billed Ducks, Shoe Vellers, Pintails, Sand Pipers, Gills, and River Term etc.

Invertebrates like Prawn, Plankton and Mollusks and fishes of about 65 different species like Sable Fish, Sargin Fish, White, Black and Silver Promphets etc. can also be seen here. One can find reptiles like Monitor Lizard, Calotes, Cobra, Russel Viper, and Krait etc.

Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary (AP)

Rollapadu Bird sanctuary is located 60-km away from Kurnool near Nandikotkuru. It spreads over an area of 614-sq-km. This sanctuary is home for the endangered Great Indian Bustard. The land is covered all over with open grass and dry thorny bushes. Various kinds of animals, birds, and reptiles found here are Black Buck, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows, Mynas, Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox.

Shamirpet Deer Park (AP)

Shamirpet is located in Bolaram Cantonment, 27-km from Secunderabad, on Karimnagar Highway. It is an ideal picnic spot, which houses a lake and a Deer Park. It presents a picture of thick vegetation, which is very pleasing to the eyes. A thin stream flowing over a bed of huge rocks is an added attraction.

Sivaram wildlife Sanctuary (AP)

It is a small sanctuary located 50-km from Mancherial in Adilabad district, on the banks of River Godavari near Madhya Pradesh border. It spreads over an area of 36-sq-km. The forest area is mainly of deciduous type with mixed teak and bamboo. This sanctuary is noted for the presence of marsh Crocodiles in the river Godavari. Animals like Spotted Deer, Sambhar, Nilgai, Monkeys, Langurs, Jackals, Wild Boars, Python, Sloth Bear, Panthers and Tiger are found here.

Sri Venkateshwara National Park (AP)

Sri Venkateshwara (also spelt as Venkateswara) National Park is located in Rajampet of Cuddapah district and Chandragiri and Bailapadu of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. It is the third best zoo in AP, just after Nehru Zoological Park in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam. It is a part of the Sri Venkateshwara wild life sanctuary and extends over an area of 353-sq-kms. The main attractions of this park are 'Mayuravan' (the house for enchanting peafowl), 'Mrugavani' (the house for herbivores), 'Vrukavihar' (Living place for smaller carnivores), along with parakeets, manias, ducks, geese and a variety of other birds like flamingos, swans, pelicans, raptors etc.

Srisailam Sanctuary (AP)

Just near to this sanctuary is the reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on the Krishna River. This is the country's largest tiger Reserves. This Srisailam sanctuary is spread over an area of 3568 sq. km. Dry deciduous mixed forest with scrub and bamboo thickets provide shelter to a wide range of animals. The terrain is rugged and winding gorges slice through the Nallamalai hills. Spotted Deers, Mouse Deers, Black Bucks, Sambhars, Chousingha Nilgai, Wild Boars, Indian Giant Squirrels, Tree Shrews, Rayels, Mugger Crocodiles, Wild Dogs, Jackals, Wolves, Foxes, Sloth Bear, Panthers and Tigers are the animal attractions of this sanctuary. In this forest the tiger is truly nocturnal and is rarely seen. The reserve was home to about 100 tigers at the beginning of this decade. However, according to a census conducted in 1997, the tiger population has fallen steeply to about 20.

SriLanka Malleswara Sanctuary (AP)

Sri Lanka Malleswara Sanctuary is located 15-km from Cuddapah. This sanctuary is the habitat for rare and endangered species, Jordan's Courser. The main species found here are Spotted Deer, Sambar, Wild Boar, Fox, Sloth Bear and Panther