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Featuring an open dry grassland and a diverse habitat of the Great Indian Bustard, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Spread across an area of 6.14 sq. km, this is one of the most unique wildlife sanctuaries in the southern state of India. Dating back to 1988, the Wildlife Sanctuary was established with the intent to protect the Great Indian Bustard and to protect the Rollapadu grasslands. Today, it provides an ideal setting for eco-tourists and wildlife lovers.
Quick Details
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Address: P9Q8+H2X, Rollapadu, Andhra Pradesh 518405
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:30 PM
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket price: ₹50 per adult and ₹10 per child
Area: 6.14 sq. km
Established: 1988
Best Time To Visit: October to April
About
Photo: Francesco Ungaro / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rollapadu’s story begins with the heart-wrenching decline of the Great Indian Bustard. Recognizing the urgent need for conservation, the government established the sanctuary in 1988. Not just the bird species, the wildlife sanctuary was also established to preserve the grasslands that exist inside the sanctuary. Beyond the bird species in the wildlife sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a variety of other fauna variants, including Blackbuck, Wolf, Jackals, Fox, Jungle cats, and Sloth bears. It is also home to several reptiles in the area, contributing to its significance.
How To Reach
Photo: IM3847 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The nearest city to the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is Kurnool, which is roughly 40 km from the sanctuary. If you are visiting from this city, hiring a taxi is usually the best option. If you are travelling from nearby metro cities like Hyderabad, you can hire a taxi or take a public bus to first reach Kurnool. From there, you’d have to take another local vehicle to reach the wildlife sanctuary.
Things To Do
1. Learning About The Great Indian Bustard Conservation
Photo: Kesavamurthy N / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Before you even embark on the extensive jeep safari exploration of the surrounding wildlife sanctuary, the first thing that you need to do is learn about the conservation efforts put into place for the Great Indian Bustard. It is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world and is a critically endangered species and is renowned for its distinctive appearance. Having a guide by your side makes it easier for you to learn more about the conservation efforts that are put into place.
2. Embark On A Wildlife Safari
Photo: Will Shirley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Jungle safari is the highlight of every wildlife sanctuary exploration. When it comes to exploring the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, you can’t miss out on such an experience. Not just the wildlife, the safari also takes you through the open deserted grasslands, enabling you to learn more about them. Depending on the season and your luck, you might get to spot a variety of wildlife in the area, including blackbucks, Indian wolves and a variety of bird species as well.
3. Explore The Nature Trails
Photo: Виктор Соломоник / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Given how crucial and talked about the flora of the wildlife sanctuary is, it isn’t surprising that many visitors prefer exploring the sanctuary on foot to exploring the land around the sanctuary. The rustle of leaves and the unique vegetation in the surroundings explain why nature walks are such an integral part of exploring the place. You get to walk through the well-marked trails, so getting lost is not something you’d have to worry about at all.
4. Indulge In Wildlife photography
Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
With how beautiful the surroundings are, taking Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary photos is an absolute must on your next visit. Given how spaced out the area is, you can take your time to capture the photographs of the animals, the vegetation or simply the surroundings. The unique landscape of Rollapadu, with its sprawling grasslands and scattered trees, provides an excellent backdrop for photography.
Places To Visit Around Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Kurnool
Photo: Sudhakarbichali / Wikimedia Commons
Located only 40 km from the wildlife sanctuary, Kurnool is the closest city you must visit and explore. There are a variety of sightseeing spots to visit and explore while in Kurnool including Konda Reddy Fort, Yaganti temple and Belum caves too. You can also explore the nearby markets to indulge in the local culture and pick up a few souvenirs from there.
Distance From Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: 40 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Srisailam Tiger Reserve
Photo: Girish.hc2016 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another popular forest reserve that you must visit when in Andhra Pradesh is the Srisailam Tiger Reserve. It is one of the most popular tiger reserves in the country and is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, and a variety of other species. You can embark on wildlife safaris and trekking expeditions around the tiger reserve.
Distance From Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: 127 km
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
3. Ahobilam
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ahobilam is a sacred pilgrimage site to visit and explore in Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams, where Lord Narasimha is worshipped at the temple. The area is surrounded by dense forests and is a great spot for trekking and exploring nature as well. So, not only can you indulge in a spiritual awakening, but the site is equally amazing for immersing yourself in the lap of nature.
Distance From Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary: 107 km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay
Photo: Engin Akyurt / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is located close to Kurnool city in Andhra Pradesh so if you aren’t planning to book your stay far away from the sanctuary, there are several hotels and resorts you can stay in while in Kurnool. Depending on your budget, you can decide on where to stay. Some of the popular accommodation options include Haritha Resorts, Hotel Shobha, Tirumala Paradise Lodge, Triguna Clarks Inn, The Maurya Inn, etc.
Where To Eat
Photo: Summer B / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There aren’t many restaurants in the close vicinity of the wildlife sanctuary, which means that you’d have to drive to one of the nearby cities like Kurnool. Some of the popular eateries around are Aahar, Red Chillies, Reddy Punjabi Dhaba, Elite Rivera, and Burj Bakery. You can try local Andhra delicacies at these eateries.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Saurabh Sawant / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The ideal time to visit Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and April. During this period, the weather is quite comfortable and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C. The cooler weather makes it ideal for wildlife spotting and exploring the sanctuary’s natural beauty.
Exploring Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary enables you to get a glimpse into the rich biodiversity that exists around Andhra Pradesh. With its open grasslands and the conservation efforts for the Great Indian Bustard, this is one of the most unique wildlife conservation sites to visit and explore the next time you visit Andhra. Plan a trip with TripXL to ensure a smooth and memorable journey to this captivating sanctuary.
Cover Photo: Gaurav Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
