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Beyond the beaches and museums, Visakhapatnam is also renowned for its rich biodiversity, which you can witness and explore at the renowned Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. Located on the outskirts of the city, the sanctuary offers an opportunity to explore the surrounding beauty of the city alongside the rich wildlife population. Exploring this wildlife sanctuary that is spread across an area of 70.70 sq.km is an absolute must. Getting to encounter wildlife up close is a mesmerising experience, to say the least.
Quick Details
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Q8HM+9X2, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531173
Established: 10 March 1970
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary Timing: Open 24 hours
Area: 70.70 km2 (17,470 acres)
Nearest City: Visakhapatnam
Major Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, deer, and various bird species
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹10 ($0.12) per person
How To Reach Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Srichakra Pranav / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: If you are travelling via air, you have to reach Visakhapatnam Airport and then take a taxi from there.
By Rail: For those travelling by trains, Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From the station, you can find several taxis to take you to the sanctuary.
By Road: As for the road, you can drive through the roads of Visakhapatnam to reach the wildlife sanctuary as well.
Things To Do At Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Once you reach Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, there are several Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary activities that you can indulge in.
1. Wildlife Spotting
Photo: Pxhere / CC0 Public Domain / Image For Representation Only
Like with any wildlife sanctuary, the main activity is to go on a safari to explore the amazing and vast area of the wildlife sanctuary. You can embark on the thrilling safari and keep an eye out for the leopards, deer and a variety of bird species that are native to this place. Usually, the summer months are one of the best for wildlife spotting since they gather around the water sources.
2. Trekking
Photo: PhotoMIX Company / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Not many tourists are aware of this but multiple trekking and hiking trails wind through the sanctuary. If you are interested in exploring the nearby areas and indulging in fun experiences, you can hire a local guide and explore the nearby trekking and hiking trails with them. They are well-marked and you wouldn’t have any issue getting lost though. However, keep into account that you must have a local guide with you for safety.
3. Bird Watching
Photo: Ade javanese / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Beyond the wildlife spotting experience, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its exclusive bird species. There are native bird species and you can also find a lot of migratory birds around the area, adding to the fun.Some of the bird species to look out for are Indian Peafowl, Black-shouldered Kite, and a variety of other birds. On occasion, there are specialised bird-watching tours available too.
Places To Visit Near Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Once you are done exploring the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, take the rest of the day to explore some of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Rishikonda Beach
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
After exploring the wildlife sanctuary, return to the main city area of Visakhapatnam to explore the beaches. You can start with Rishikonda Beach, which is a little offbeat and less crowded than R.K Beach. Offering an ideal coastal retreat nearby, here you can relax, sunbathe and even enjoy the snacks that are available at the beachside stalls.
Distance From Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 7.4 km
Timings: 24 hours
2. Borra Caves
Photo: Apy Seth / Wikimedia Commons
For some adventure and historical exploration, head to Borra Caves, situated the elevation of 1440 m above sea level, which is another popular attraction in Visakhapatnam. Nestled amidst the Ananthagiri hills in the Araku valley, these are a group of limestone caves that have naturally occurring stalactites and stalagmites inside. According to historians and archaeological findings, the caves are reportedly millions of years old, adding to its fascination.
Distance From Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 105 km
Timings: 10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM
3. Simhachalam Temple
Photo: eclicks_by_bunny / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a religious experience, head to Simhachalam Temple. The highlight of this temple is its resemblance to a fortress and the temple is faced towards the east, depicting victory. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located on the Simhachalam Hill Range, around 300 metres above sea level. Inside the temple, Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Varaha Narasimha.
Distance From Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 16.6 km
Timings: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM to 9 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Zak Chapman / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are a variety of luxury and budget-friendly hotels, guest houses and homestays available across Visakhapatnam. Depending on your budget and convenience, you can book your stay. Some of the options are Bay Leaf Resort, Hotel Nebo Suites, The Park Visakhapatnam, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and Dolphin Hotel.
Where To Eat
Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons
Another vital aspect that contributes to the comfort of your vacation is access to good food. There are many restaurants serving authentic delicacies as well as your comfort meals near Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. You can plan to eat at these amazing restaurants like Dine Destiny Fine Dining Restaurant, One11 Lounge, Seven Eleven Restaurant, Rao’s Kitchen and 365.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Adityamadhav83 / Wikimedia Commons
If you are planning your vacation to explore, consider doing so from November to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. Also, the summer months are great, especially if you want to have better chances at spotting the wildlife around the sanctuary.
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness the rich biodiversity that prevails in Visakhapatnam and the surrounding area. From wildlife to bird species and unique plants, thrilling activities like trekking and safari, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of experiences. Plan your visit to Visakhapatnam with TripXL to make the most of your experience and ensure a seamless journey.
Cover Photo: Srichakra Pranav / Wikimedia Commons
