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Located in the Palamaner, Kuppam forest ranges of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh is the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the most popular sanctuaries for elephant spotting in Andhra Pradesh. With rugged high hills and deep valleys and an enriching population of elephants and other wildlife, this wildlife sanctuary should be on your watchlist the next time you visit Andhra Pradesh. If you are interested in exploring the only spot in Andhra Pradesh that is home to Asian elephants, planning a trip down to this wildlife sanctuary is a must.
Quick Details
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM
Area: 357.6 km2 (88,400 acres)
Established: December, 1990
Management: Andhra Pradesh Forest Department
Nearest City: Chittoor
How To Reach Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
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Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, as mentioned before, is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. If you are travelling from Bangalore, the nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport. From the airport, you’d have to take a taxi to reach the sanctuary. Even the closest railway station to the wildlife sanctuary is Bangalore railway station, located around 170 km from the sanctuary. You can drive from nearby cities like Bangalore, accessible by National Highway 44.
Things To Do At Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of unique experiences for you to indulge in, some of the popular activities are:
1. Jeep Safari
Photo: Dhruvin Pandya / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
One of the most enriching experiences you will experience at the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is exploring the expanse of the sanctuary on a jeep. It enables you to closely witness the Asian elephants and keep an eye on their activities, their habits and even encounter their interactions among their herd. The safaris are led by knowledgeable guides, so you will get a first-hand learning experience from them.
2. Bird Watching
Photo: Daniel Schwen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the fun experiences to explore inside the sanctuary is bird watching. The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers with over 150 different species of birds, both native and migratory. Some of the most popular birds you might spot around the sanctuary are the Indian eagle-owl, crested serpent eagle, and various species of drongos. However, the only thing is that the birds are quite sporadic and move around, which means that you need to be patient for spotting them.
3. Trekking
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Due to the dense forested area involving the Eastern Ghats, there are several trekking trails available around Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which you can explore as well. The experience is truly fascinating, providing a glimpse into the natural splendour that exists around. The sanctuary offers several trekking trails that cater to different fitness levels, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty as well.
Places To Visit Near Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
The proximity of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary to the main city makes it a great spot for you to explore the surrounding sightseeing spots.
1. Tirupati
Photo: daimalu / Wikiemdia Commons
Roughly 137 km from the wildlife sanctuary, visiting Tirupati is an absolute must after you are done exploring the wildlife sanctuary. Visiting the Tirupati Balaji temple and seeking blessings from the deity is bound to make you feel fulfilled and content. Apart from the temple, visitors can explore the nearby Tirumala Hills and enjoy the scenic beauty. There are several waterfalls and ISKCON temple, which you must visit too.
Distance From Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: 137 km
Timings: 24 hours
2. Chandragiri Fort
Photo: rajaraman sundaram / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the must-visit spots near Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the Chandragiri Fort. This historical site dates back to the 11th century and is renowned for its stunning architectural prowess and the panoramic views that you get to witness from there. Encircling the fort, there are eight ruined temples, which add to the significance of the spot.
Distance From Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: 121 km
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
3. Nagari Hills
Photo: Chirag1745 / Wikimedia Commons
Around a 3-4 hour drive from the wildlife sanctuary, Nagari Hills is another must-visit spot that you have to add to your itinerary. You can trek to the highest peak of the hills called Nagari Nose, to witness the stunning views of the surrounding lush greenery, mountains and dense forests. The hills are located on the banks of the Kausani River, adding to its beauty.
Distance From Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary: 168 km
Timings: 24 hours
Where To Stay
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With its proximity to Chittoor, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding accommodation near Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. There are resorts, budget hotels and a variety of five-star properties, which you can book for your stay. Some of the popular properties around are Nature Trails resort, Hill View Cottage, Nature’s Guest House, Rangalaya Royal, and Fortune Park.
Where To Eat
Photo: Shaharbano / Wikimedia Commons
Once you are done exploring the wildlife sanctuary, you can head to some of the popular restaurants around for a meal. Some of the popular eateries include Lemon Leaf, Rusi Bakery, Café Coffee Day, Chill Bro, Keerthana Sweets, Ignite Café, etc.
Best Time To Visit
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To truly immerse yourself in the exploration of the sanctuary and the Asian elephant herds, consider visiting between October and March. The weather is pleasant during those months with average temperature ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Beyond wildlife exploration, you can also indulge in outdoor activities like jeep safari and trekking.
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in South India where you can spot Asian Elephants and their herd. The beautiful surroundings, lush greenery and extensive safari experience make visiting this spot worth the time. For a well-rounded travel experience and seamless planning, consider using TripXL for your travel arrangements to Andhra Pradesh to visit Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary.
Cover Photo: Arkadeep Meta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
