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