National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh National Parks
In terms of wildlife reserves and biodiversity, Andhra Pradesh has a lot to offer.
The southern state is home to some of the most varied animal populations in the nation, including elephants,jungle cats, deer, and panthers.
It has a diverse collection of unique plants and animals found exclusively in the area.
Andhra Pradesh, India’s fifth biggest state, has several such animal sanctuaries and national parks that are worth seeing while you’re there.
Andhra Pradesh’s national parks are a fitting monument to the state’s diverse biodiversity.
Many creatures, including as elephants, deer, jungle cats, and panthers, may be found in the region’s diverse environment, which includes thick forests and lush vegetation.
The Nagarjuna Sagar – Srisailam Sanctuary is one of the country’s biggest tiger reserves.
Here is a list of the eight national parks in Andhra Pradesh. For An Exciting Adventure
1-Overview of Sri Venkateshwara National Park in Chittoor
Venkateshwara National Park and Biosphere Reserve, located approximately 10 kilometres from Tirupati in the Eastern Ghats.
It is home to unique plant species as well as noteworthy animal species such as the Slender Loris, Wild Dog and Tree Shrew.
Bird enthusiasts will enjoy seeing Crested Serpent Eagles, Kingfishers and Indian Rollers among other species.
The three waterfalls, Talakona, Gujana, Gundalakona are the major attractions of this national park.
Talakona is the tallest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh, and it is a breathtaking sight.
With excellent Forest guest homes and lodging options, one could easily spend a full day here.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
2- Andhra Pradesh’s Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
Andhra Pradesh’s Kaundinya Wildlife Refuge is more than simply a typical wildlife sanctuary.
It is also the state’s sole refuge with a sizable population of Asian elephants that have migrated from neighbouring states.
3-National Park of Papikondalu
Papikondalu National Park in Andhra Pradesh’s East and West Godavari districts is a magnificent forest reserve.
It has a breathtaking vistas of nature and a rich variety of flora and animals.
It covers a substantially large area of over 1000 km square.
In 2008, the region was designated as a national park for the first time.
The River Godavari runs through the National Park, adding to its appeal.
Papikondalu is perfectly located between East and West Godavari.
Papikondalu’s varied terrain is impressive.
It is home to thickly wooded hills, steep canyons, valleys and streams, as well as a variety of animals and flora.
An nighttime walk around the park will reveal a diverse variety of Eastern Ghats flora.
The park is mostly made up of dry deciduous tropical plants.
In between, bright and colourful bushes and plants contribute to the park’s attractiveness.
Flora species include Albizia Amara, Terminalias, Latifolia, Albizia Lebbeck, Tectonic Grandis, , Tomentosa, Arundinacea, Lagerstroemia Lanceolata Bambusa, Dendrocalamus Strictus, and Pterocarpus.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
While Papikondalu is home to a diverse range of plant species,
it is not shy when it comes to animals.
Rare alien and native species include the tiger, four-horned antelope, sloth bears, hyena, spotted deer, and jackals, among others.
Among the others are panthers, gaur, marsh crocodile, blackbucks, gharial, mouse deer, wild dogs, barking deer, and sambar.
During the Ramayana period, the national park is referred to as the kingdom of apes.
Thus, the park was previously called as Kishkinda since the people of Kishkinda assisted Lord Rama in rescuing Sita from the wicked Ravana.
The ideal time to visit the national park is from October to May, when temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius to 31 degrees Celsius.
Summer temperatures range between 35 and 28 degrees Celsius.
In the summer, expect some humidity, but the natural surroundings will keep you cool.
So you won’t be perspiring in the hot sun.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
Getting to Papikondalu National Park
By train: The closest station is Rajahmundry, which is 4.5 kilometres from Papikondalu National Park.
The station is located on two major routes: Chennai-Kolkata and Chennai-Delhi.
From the station, you may take a rickshaw or a cab to the national park.
By Air: The closest airport is Visakhapatnam, which is approximately 100 kilometres from Papikondalu National Park.
From there, you may rent a private cab.
By Road: There are many commercial and government-owned transportation options from neighbouring cities like as Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad.
Papikondalu National Park may also be reached by boat. These leave Rajahmundry at regular intervals.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
4- Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Overview of Nagarjunasagar
The Nagarjunasagar Animal Sanctuary, situated in Srisailam, is a haven for environment lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
It is also known as the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary.
This region rich in flora and fauna has been established across a vast area of approximately 3568 square kilometres and is close to the Nagarjunasagar Reservoir.
In reality, it spans five districts: Kurnool,, Mahabubnagar, Prakasam, Nalgonda and Guntur.
Apart from being designated as a ‘Tiger Reserve’ in 1983, this area is home to a variety of other animals such as langurs, macaques and jackals among others.
The refuge is also home to about 150 bird species, including grey hornbills and pea fouls.
This area is also home to reptiles such as monitor lizards, , soft-shelled turtles, pythons and marsh crocodiles.
The region is also decorated with the River Krishna, which flows through Nallamala Hills and serves as a source of water for all residents.
Within the sanctuary grounds, visitors will also discover guesthouses, a temple, and cottages.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
5- Kakinada’s Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Coringa is a Wildlife Sanctuary as well as an estuary located just 22 kilometres from Kakinada Beach.
It is home to up to 35 kinds of mangrove plants,
120 species of unique birds, and a plethora of vegetation.
This refuge is also well-known for housing the highly endangered white-backed vulture and long-billed vulture.
Coringa is well-known among eco-tourists as a favourite.
Because it is an estuary, you can also see where the sea joins the river.
This 235-square-kilometer animal refuge is located 20 kilometres from Kakinada.
Wide wooden bridges constructed across thick forest areas enable you to stroll through the forest and see Flora and Fauna.
Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known for its saltwater crocodiles and different salt-tolerant flora species such as Rhizophora, Avincinia and others.
Herbs and bushes are also abundant in the area.
Andhra Pradesh’s Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is number six on the list.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
6- Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary
It is in Andhra Pradesh and spans an area of about 1,194 square kilometres, stretching from Prakasam to Kurnool districts.
Tigers, wild canines, sloth bears, pythons, panthers are among the animals that may be seen here.
A river also runs through the sanctuary.
The best time to visit the refuge is between May and October.
The Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is recognised as one of the few surviving virgin forests of the Nallamalai tract, where traditional plant uses still exist in ethno-botanical significance.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
7- Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rollapadu, a wildlife sanctuary spanning over 614 square kilometres in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district.
It gives tourists a trip into the wild, close to nature, among a variety of different kinds of flora and animals.
Rollapadu, which was established in 1988, is particularly well-known for being home to the endangered species
The Great Indian Bustard and The Lesser Florican.
Many birds and reptiles live in the wildlife refuge, which is spread out across a large region.
The wildlife sanctuary, which covers a large area, is home to numerous birds and reptiles.
From Blackbucks to sparrows to bonnets, and from mynas to Russell’s vipers to Indian cobras.
A variety of protected species may be found at National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
A day at Rollapadu might be worthwhile if you are a nature enthusiast who is interested in getting close to and learning about biodiversity.
With the adjacent Rollapadu hamlet, a man-made water reservoir maintained for animal consumption, and another reservoir for rainfall collecting, the Rollapadu
Wildlife Sanctuary also serves as an excellent example of mankind’s cohabitation with nature.
National Parks In Andhra Pradesh
8- Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is the world’s sole natural environment where one may see the critically endangered Jerdon’s courser bird species.
The refuge also has a diverse range of vegetation and animals.
It is known for its dry deciduous woods, steep canyons, and spectacular hillsides.
Keep an eye out for creatures including the panther, sloth bear, nilgai, foxes, and Jerdon’s courser.