9 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Telangana That Are A Must Visit During Summer
Telangana, the newest state in India, is proud to have a number of wildlife sanctuaries that provide a glimpse into the area’s vast biodiversity. Exploring these sanctuaries is a must-do activity if you’re a nature lover or an adventure enthusiast. These protected areas are home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including tigers and sloth bears. As we take you through the top 9 wildlife sanctuaries in Telangana, get ready for an amazing experience. We have everything covered for you, from the impressive tiger reserve to the tranquil bird sanctuary. Prepare to immerse yourself in nature and discover the magic of the wild.
1. Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary:
Located 15 km from Medak and 115 km from Hyderabad, the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a destination for nature and wildlife lovers. Covering over 130 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to many flora and fauna. It derives its name from the beautiful Pocharam Lake. Early in the 20th century, the Nizams used to hunt in the sanctuary before it was made a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary is inhabited by several animals, including wild dogs, leopards, wolves, jackals, forest cats, sloth bears, sambar, nilgai, chinkara, chital, and four-horned antelope. It is also home to five species of antelopes and deer. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from October to May. Tourists can stay in the inception bungalow at Pocharam and Medak or the forest rest house at Medak. You can reach this destination by bus/taxi from Medak, which is 13 km away.
2. Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 12 km from Narsapur, Warangal and 192 km from Hyderabad, the Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to view wildlife and a beautiful Pakhal lake. Covering over 839 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to many rare biota. It is inhabited by several animals, including leopards, wild boars, panthers, hyenas, sloth bears, chital, and reptiles such as cobras and crocodiles. It is also home to many herbs and shrubs, such as Usiri, Vepa, Rudraksha, Erra Tella, Srigandhamu, Modhuga, and climbers such as pasupu gadda. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from November to May. Tourists can stay in any hotel in Warangal. You can reach this destination by bus/taxi from Warangal, which is 12 km away.
3. Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary:
Pranahita Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Adilabad district and covers an area of 136 square kilometers. It is situated at a distance of 35 kilometers from Mancherial town in Adilabad and 258 kilometers from Hyderabad. The sanctuary is home to many reptiles, birds, and mammals, including Indian Python, Indian Chameleon, Indian Cobra, Indian Pitta, White-throated Kingfisher, Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, and Sloth Bear. The flora of the sanctuary includes Teak, Tamarind, and Bamboo. The sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Pranahita River. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from October to May. Tourists can stay in forest rest houses in Mancherial. You can reach this destination by road from Mancherial, which is located 35 kilometers away.
4. Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary covers an area of 812 square kilometers and is located at a distance of 200 km from Hyderabad. It is situated in a village called Eturnagaram in Mulugu district of Telangana. The sanctuary is one of the oldest in Telangana, established on January 30, 1952, during the reign of the erstwhile Hyderabad state. The popular festival of Telangana, “Sammakka Sarakka Jathara,” is held in this place. This sanctuary is known for its Teak forests and is home to Tiger, Leopard, Wolf, Krishna Jeemukham, and Jongala Jeemukham. The Godavari River passes through this sanctuary. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from October to May. Tourists can stay in forest rest houses, cottages, and ITDA guesthouses in Eturnagaram. You can reach this destination by road or air. The nearest airport is in Hyderabad, which is approximately 250 km away from the sanctuary. From there, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.
5. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Another forest reserve in Adilabad is Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary covers an area of 893 square kilometers and is located at a distance of 50 km from Macherial district and 270 kms from Hyderabad. It was established in 1965 and later declared a protected area in 1999 under the Wildlife Protection Act. In 2012, the government of India declared it a tiger reserve, making it the oldest sanctuary in northern Telangana. It is popular for teak and tigers. It is reported that 48 tigers are currently living in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chousinghas, blackbucks, spotted deer, Indian giant squirrels, and various species of bird and reptile species. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is in November to May. Tourists can stay at the Forest Rest Houses and Guest Houses which are located within the Kawal Tiger Reserve. Apart from that, there are also several hotels and resorts located in nearby towns like Mancherial and Adilabad, which are around 50 kilometers away from the sanctuary. It is accessible by road, air, and rail. The nearest airport is Hyderabad, 270 km (170 mi) away, and the nearest railway station is Mancherial, 50 km (31 mi) away. The reserve can be accessed from Mancherial, which is on the National Highway 44 (NH 44), by hiring a taxi or taking a bus.
6. Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary:
This sanctuary is located in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Telangana. It covers an area of 635 square kilometers and is situated at a distance of 15 kilometers from Kothagudem, 25 kilometers from a popular temple called “Bhadrachalam,” and 271 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is situated beside a lake called Kinnerasani. The sanctuary consists of several tree species, including Neredu, Guruvindha, Neem, Banyan, and many more. It is also home to a range of animal species, such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, sambar, chital, barking deer, and many bird species like the peafowl, grey junglefowl, and Indian pitta. The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is from November to May. One can reach this destination by road from Bhadrachalam.
7. Manjeera Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary covers an area of 20 square kilometers and is located at a distance of 250 kilometers from Hyderabad. It is situated in the Sangareddy district of Telangana. There is a popular reservoir called “Manjira” which provides drinking water to many places in Telangana. The sanctuary is home to a variety of sea animals, including crocodiles, turtles, and prawns. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March. Tourists can stay in forest rest houses, hotels in Sangareddy district, or several homestays. You can reach this destination by road from Hyderabad, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can reach the Sangareddy railway station and then travel by road, which is a distance of 20 kilometers to the destination.
8. Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Another sanctuary from Mancherial district is Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary covers a distance of 36 square kilometres and is at a distance of 10 km from Manthani and 30 km from Godavarikhani. It is popular for teak and Karakkaya, along with leopards, Krishna jeemkum, sloth bears, and crocodiles. The ideal time to visit Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the chances of spotting wildlife are higher. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoon season, from July to September, due to heavy rainfall. You can reach the destination by hiring a bus or taxi from Warangal Railway Station, which is at a distance of 70 km.
9. Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve
From the mighty tigers to the serene waters of the Krishna River, Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is a nature lover’s paradise that’s waiting to be explored. This covers 3,728 square kilometres, which are shared among two states: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with over 120 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, and numerous reptiles and amphibians inhabiting the area. The reserve is home to a significant population of tigers and has been designated as a Project Tiger reserve. The Krishna River flows through the sanctuary, creating a unique landscape of hills, plateaus, and valleys. Visitors to Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve can enjoy a range of activities, including wildlife safaris, birdwatching, trekking, and boating in the reservoir. The ideal time to visit is from October to May. You can stay in forest guest houses or any nearby hotel. You can reach the destination by hiring a bus or taxi from Manchester railway station. Once you reach the sanctuary, you can explore the area on foot or by hiring a local guide.
With a total of 9 wildlife sanctuaries in the state, visitors can explore a diverse range of habitats and species, from the rare blackbuck to the majestic tigers. Whether you are interested in bird watching, trekking, camping, or simply relaxing in tranquil surroundings, there is something for everyone. Additionally, the state government has taken various measures to protect these precious wildlife reserves, making them an ideal destination for eco-tourism. So come immerse yourself in the natural beauty and wildlife of Telangana, and discover the wonders that await you. Don’t forget your camera!
