Kolleru Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh

It is one of the biggest fresh water lakes in Asia and is a paradise for nature and scenic lovers on earth. It is blessed with rich flora and fauna. The Bird Sanctuary attracts various migratory birds from different countries such as Australia, Egypt, Siberia and Philippines in the months of October and March. It is predicted that the lake is visited by approx. 200,000 birds such as Black-winged Stilts, Avocets, Open Bill Storks, White Ibises, Teals, Shovellers, Red-Crested Pochards, painted Storks, Winged Stilts, Common Redshanks, Gadwalls and Cormorants.

Flora
The flora mainly consists of aquatic weeds like Ipomea Aquatics, Scripus, Water Hyacinth, Pharagmites, Ottelia, Typha etc. and certain tree species like Babul, Albezzia, Rain tree, Palmyrah, Prosopis and coconut trees.

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.

The Aquatic Life
Invertebrates like Crustaceans and Molluscs and 63 species of fish belonging to 29 families are found in the lake. Main ones are Boccha, Valugah, Korramenu, Gurak, Bangaru Teega, Jella, Ingilayh and Bommidaya. Ingilayh and Bommidaya are two species, which are under threat of extinction.

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 at this Bird Sanctuary of India.

HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: The nearest Railway station is Vijayawada, which is 60-km away from the Kolleru Bird Sanctuary.

Road: This Sanctuary is approachable from Atapaka, 1.5-km from Kaikaluru town, Murthiraju Tanks 8-km from Nidamarru, Gudivakalanka 3-km from Gudivakalankas or 15-km from Eluru. One can take buses from Vijayawada.

WHERE TO STAY
Forest Rest houses are available at Vijayawada and Eluru. One can also stay in the hotels at Vijayawada.

Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh

Krishna Sanctuary is found in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. It is located quite close to the coastal town of Machilipatnam and belongs to the vast wetlands of the Krishna Mangroves of the state. These mangroves are seen covering two of the biggest districts (Krishna and Guntur) of Andhra Pradesh. It is located at just about 80km from the main place of Vijayawada. Known to be one of the famous mangrove habitats of the state, tourists come here in large numbers mainly to sink in the natural beauty, than to witness the flora and fauna. This sanctuary is set up across 19841 hectares.

History of Krishna Sanctuary
The wetlands of the mangroves and the green grasslands of the huge mangrove wetlands drawn across the Krishna and Guntur districts had many wildlife reserves and forests located inside them. Some of the reserves found in this area are the reserve forests of Sorlagondi, Nachugunta, Yelichitladibba, Kottapalem, Molagunta, Adavuladivi and Lankivanidibba. One section of these forests that was located predominantly in the Krishna district came to be known as Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and the name has stuck on till date.

Flora and Fauna of Krishna Sanctuary

The wet mangroves and the grasslands here are compatible for huge varieties of flora and fauna. Some kinds of flora found here are Mango, Margosa, Peepul, Spinifex squarrosus, Pongamia Pinnate, Date-Palm, Spinifex littoreus, Leptadenia reticulate, Banyan, Palmyra etc. Some of the exotic species of fauna that are found here in plenty here are Water Snake, Russel Viper, Rat Snake, Cobra, Black Buck, Spotted Deer, Fishing Cat, Hyena, Garden Lizard, Sambar, Cobra, Golden Tree Snake, Fox, Bear, Jungle Cat etc. Some of the species of birds found here are Indian Roller, Pipits, Wagtails, Crested Serpent Eagle etc.

Best Time to Visit
The period between October and February is the best time to visit Krishna Sanctuary, as the climate is really cool and pleasant in the state of Andhra Pradesh during this time.

How to Reach Krishna Sanctuary

Air
Hyderabad airport, is the nearest to this sanctuary.

Rail
Vijayawada railway station at a distance of 80 km is the nearest to this sanctuary.

Road
All important places in Andhra Pradesh like Hyderabad, Vishakhapatnam and the like are connected to this sanctuary through a wide network of state-government operated and private-operated buses.

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary (NBS) is one of the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh and it is located in the Nelapattu Village of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. NBS is approximately 85 km (52.8 miles) away from Nellore. It is also called as Nelapattu Wildlife Sanctuary.

History of the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
History of the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary dates back to the year 1976. It was established by the government of Andhra Pradesh in the year 1976 to protect the resident and migrating birds breeding at Nelapattu village.

Geographical Location of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is geographically situated near the Nelapattu Village in Doravarisatram Mandal of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. NBS is covered by southern dry evergreen scrub and Barringtonia swamp forests. NBS covers an area of 4.58 sq km (1.768 sq miles) in the Nelapattu village.

Flora and Fauna at Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is a home and a haven for different species of resident and migrating birds. The floristic combination of the sanctuary includes different tree and scrub species such as Manilkara hexandra, Maba buxifolia, Memicylon edule, Buchanania angustifolia, Zizyphus xylopyrus and Barringtonia acutangula (Hijal) etc. Ornithologists recorded occurrence of 187 bird species in the sanctuary, including 50 migrating bird species. NBS is an important breeding site for Spot-billed Pelican, White Ibis, Openbill Stork, Night Heron, and Little Cormorant etc. Other migratory water bird spotted in the sanctuary includes Pintail, Common Teal, Dabchick, Shoveler, Coot, Spot Bill Duck, Grey Heron, Darter, Black-winged Stilt, and Garganey Gadwall etc. The Barringtonia trees spread in the sanctuary are the favorite nesting spots for Spot-billed Pelicans. The Pulicat Lake, which is approximately 10 km (6.21 miles) away from the sanctuary acts as a feeding ground for the roosting pelicans in the NBS. Faunal group found in the NBS include Jackal, Hare, Monitor lizard and Tortoise along with different varieties of snakes.

Best time to visit Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit the sanctuary is during the period of October to March. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the sanctuary for complete information on entry timings and fee etc.

Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided in the Inspection bungalow at Sullurpet near the Sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the sanctuary about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.

Contact Address of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary
Divisional Forest Officer,
Wildlife Management,
Sullurpet, Nellore District,
Andhra Pradesh – 524 121
Phone: +91 8623-242 158

How to reach Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary

By Air: Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is approximately 80 km (49.7 miles) away. Bus and taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary.

By Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Sullurpet Railway Station, which is approximately 15 km (9.32 miles) away. Local buses are available to reach the sanctuary.

By Road: Bus services are available from all places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sullurpet Bus Stand is approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) away from the Sanctuary. Bus and taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary.

Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

Papikonda National Park is located in East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana, with an area of 1,012.86 km2 (391.07 sq mi). Wildlife includes mammals like tiger,leopard,sambar and spotted deer,bison,wild water buffaloe. But it appears that wild water buffalo extinct in this region now a days. People of this region used to see wild water buffalo 25 years ago.

History of Papikonda Sanctuary                                                                                      
This sanctuary was established during 1979 and was famous initially as a tiger reserve.  The need for setting up this sanctuary arose from the widespread urbanisation that was happening around this locality by 1976. Many buildings were erected, reducing the habitats of wild animals to a great extent. Therefore, the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department established this sanctuary around 1979 to protect the flora and fauna safely within the confines of a particular area. Legend has it that it was this forest area that is mentioned in the Ramayana as “Kishkinta Forest”. Many tourists still visit this sanctuary to see if they can spot some tigers here. This sanctuary runs through the Papikonda hill range that adds beauty to the place.

Flora :                                                                                                                                    

The different species of flora found here are Tectona Grandis, Terminalias, Tomentosa, Lagerstroemia Lanceolata, Latifolia, Albizzia Amara, Albizzia Lebbeck. Dendrocalamus Strictus Bambusa Arundinacea.

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

Accessibility:50 Kms. from Rajahmundry Railway station. Nearest Airport � Rajahmundry

Accommodation:Forest rest houses at Rajahmundry, Maredumilli and Kannapuram.

Best season to Visit 

Forest rest houses are available at Rajahmundry, Maredumilli and Kannapuram and the best season to visit is from October to May.

Contact:Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife Management), Rajahmundry

Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary

Pulicat Sanctuary is located near the lagoon spread between Nellore and Chittoor districts in Andhra Pradesh. It is approximately 107 km (66.48 miles) away from Nellore and 160 km (99.41 miles) away from Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. Pulicat Sanctuary is also called as Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary (PLBS) and Pulicat Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (PLWS).

History of the Pulicat Sanctuary
History of the Pulicat Sanctuary dates back to the year 1976. It was established by the government of Andhra Pradesh in the year 1976 to protect different species of migrating and resident birds in India.

Geographical Location of Pulicat Sanctuary
Pulicat Sanctuary is geographically located on the Nellore-Chittoor border in Andhra Pradesh. It is spread near the Pulicat Lake, the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India. Pulicat Sanctuary area is covered by the patches of residual, dry, evergreen forest and large areas of littoral scrub in woodlands etc. Pulicat Sanctuary covers an area of 327 sq km (126 sq miles) in Nellore district. At present it is under the control of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.

Flora and Fauna at Pulicat Sanctuary
Pulicat Sanctuary is a home and a haven for different species of birds and marine animals. The floristic combination of the sanctuary includes 59 species of aquatic vegetation such as Cyanophyceae, Chlorphyceae and Rhodophyceae along with invasive phytoplankton species of Prosopis juliflora, Spirulina major, Oscillatoria spp., Anabaena spp., Rhizosolenia castracanei, Eucampia cornuta and Climacodium frauenfeldianum etc.

Pulicat Sanctuary is a haven for different varieties of migrating bird species. Ornithologists recorded occurrence of 115 species of water and land birds in the sanctuary area. It was estimated that every year, approximately 15,000 greater flamingos visit the lake along with pelicans, kingfishers, herons, painted storks, spoonbills and ducks. The concentrations of flamingos are associated with high algal, fish and benthic diversity in the sanctuary. Other water birds found in the sanctuary include spot-billed pelican, seven species of herons and egrets, painted stork, ducks, 20 species of shorebirds, gulls, terns, little grebe, Indian cormorant, little cormorant, Asian openbill stork, black-headed ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, lesser whistling teal, spotbill duck, great thick-knee and stone curlew etc.

Several species of birds found during winter season in the sanctuary include white-bellied sea eagle, osprey, harriers and peregrine falcons, wintering waterfowl, bar-headed goose, ruddy Shelduck, Eurasian wigeon, Gadwall, common teal, Northern pintail, Garganey, northern shoveller, Common Pochard, brown-headed gull, black-headed gull, whiskered tern, gull-billed tern and Caspian tern etc.

Marine biologists found occurrence of different species of fish in the brackish and fresh waters of the sanctuary. Fish species found in the brackish water of the sanctuary include Mullets and Catfish etc. Pulicat Sanctuary is a nursery for several species of fish. Other fishes found in the sanctuary area include blowfish, barbus, sardines, milk fish, clams, prawns, tiger prawns, jellyfish, finfish and live lagoon green crabs etc. Endangered species such as green sea turtles were also found in the sanctuary area.

Best time to visit Pulicat Sanctuary
Pulicat Sanctuary is open throughout the year. But the best time to visit the RWS is during the period of October to March. Visitors are advised to get in touch with officials of the sanctuary for complete information on entry timings and fee etc.

Accommodation
Visitors can avail the accommodation facilities provided in the Inspection bungalow at Sullurpet & Tada near the Sanctuary. Visitors are advised to get in touch with the authorities of the sanctuary about accommodation, tariff and other facilities.

Contact Address of Pulicat Sanctuary
Divisional Forest Officer,
Wildlife Management,
Sullurpet, Nellore District,
Andhra Pradesh – 524 121
Phone: +91 8623-242 158

How to reach Pulicat Sanctuary

By Air: Nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, which is approximately 65 km (40.38 miles) away. Bus and taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary.

By Rail: Nearest Railway Station is Sullurpet Railway Station, which is 10 km (6.21 miles) away. Local buses are available to reach the sanctuary.

By Road: Bus services are available from all places in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sullurpet Bus Stand is approximately 15 km (9.3 miles) away from the Sanctuary. Bus and taxi services are available to reach the sanctuary

Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh

The Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is the home to a number of wild animals, birds and reptiles. Among the wildlife found at the Rollapadu Bird sanctuary , there are Black Buck, Bonnet Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows, Mynas, Russell’s Viper, Indian Cobra, jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox. There are a number of regular state buses that transport the tourists Kurnool and Nandikotkuru.

The Rollapadu Bird sanctuary is also popular as it is the dwelling to the Great Indian Bustard which is an endangered bird. The landscape at the sanctuary is covered with thorny bushes as well as open grasslands which provide the ideal habitat for the animals and birds. There are also regular buses from Kurnool and Nandikotkuru to the sanctuary.

To reach the Rollapadu Bird sanctuary by air, Hyderabad would be the nearest airport. The Kurnool Railway station is only at a distance of about 60 kilometers from the sanctuary.

Flora

Rollapadu is primarily a grassland ecosystem with mixed forests and thorny bushes. Cotton, tobacco and sunflower are cultivated in the agricultural lands that border the sanctuary.

Fauna

Rollapadu sanctuary is home to a varied set of faunal and avifaunal species. Foxes, jackals, bonnet macaques, jungle cats, sloth bears and black bucks have been reported at the sanctuary as also the Russell’s viper and Indian cobra. It also houses 132 bird species with the Alganur reservoir near the sanctuary frequented annually by migratory species. Some of the bird species spotted at Rollapadu besides the bustard and the florican include Indian rollers, several myna species, short-toed snake eagles and winter migrant waterfowl such as barheaded geese, demoiselle cranes and greater flamingos.

An increase in the blackbuck population at the sanctuary has been postulated as one of the reasons for the fall in numbers of the bustard and the florican there. Their feeding on the grasses has in turn led to a fall in the numbers of grasshoppers and locusts that constitute an important source of food for the two bird species besides also reducing the nesting area available to these ground nesting birds.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Almost climate of this area is hot as entire Andhra Pradesh state is in the hot zone. Monsoon season is slightly relaxing in this sanctuary but still October to February is the best time to see this sanctuary.

How to Reach

Nandikotkuru is easily accessible by all means of transportation available.

By Air
By air access is possible for this place as Hyderabad is the nearest airport and located at 91 kilometers distance from here.
By Rail
Kurnool railway station is the nearest railway station and located at the distance of 60 kilometers. From railway station, frequent road services are available to reach this wild life sanctuary.
By Road
From Kurnool Bus station, APSRTC operates its bus service regularly to this place. A large number of tourists daily visit this forest and apart from APSRTC, various private taxies and tourist cabs are also in service from Kurnool. These vehicles are available on affordable charges at every time.

Sri Lanka Malleswara Sanctuary Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh

Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Kadapa in Cuddapah district of the South Indian state Andhra Pradesh, is famed as the refuge of the rare Jordan's Courser which is regarded as a highly endangered bird. It encompasses an area of 464 square kilometres. Tourism in Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a visual treat where one can enjoy the nature's beauty at its best among the diverse flora, fauna and vivacious wildlife. The sanctuary has a hilly terrain having gorges and steep slopes. The place enjoys a cool and dry climate from December to February whereas it has summer from March to May. The advent of southwest monsoons is marked between June and September.


Flora and Fauna of Srilanka Malleswara Sanctuary

The sanctuary has a lush green cover or red sanders covering its major part. Dry evergreen scrubs and mixed deciduous forests can be found here. This place, adorned by rich flora and fauna is a visual treat. More than 1400 species of plants belonging to 176 families are found here, providing shelter to a large number of animals.

The animal life is also rich owing the suitable terrain. The hilly terrain with steep slopes enclosed by hills supports animals like deer, tiger, wild boar, mongoose, black buck, fox, wild dog, sloth bear, jackal, panther, sambar and monkey. The sanctuary is a habitat for many common birds as well as the endangered Jordan's Courser. Adequate measures and steps are taken to preserve this species which is at the verge of becoming extinct.


Visiting season

Though the tourists are allowed to visit the sanctuary any time of the year, the best visiting period is between October to March. The sanctuary can be reached easily. It is only 15 km far from the city of Kadapa which also has the nearest airport.


ACCESSIBILITY: 60 km. by road from Cuddapah railway station.


HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Cuddapah.

Road: One can catch State buses from Cuddapah and Siddavotam.

WHERE TO STAY
Forest rest houses are available at Siddavotam & Cuddapah.