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Located across the expanse of Kadapa and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit wildlife sanctuary the next time you are visiting Tirupati for your pilgrimage to Tirumala Temple. Since the sanctuary is located in Tirupati, it is named after the revered Lord Venkateswara and plays a significant role in the conservation of the flora and fauna that thrive in the area. There are dense forests and several waterfalls located around the sanctuary too.
Quick Details
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Seshachalam Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: Open 24 hours
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹50 for adults and ₹10 for children
Area: 353 square kilometers
Established: 1989
Notable Species: Indian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Gaur
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Average Temperature: 12°C and 30°C
Nearby attractions: Gundalakona, Talakona and the Gunjana Waterfalls
About
Photo: C Surendra / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The sanctuary is surrounded by Tirumala and Seshachalam Hills and a variety of waterfalls. The wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of unique wildlife and bird species including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, foxes, panthers and hyenas. You can also spot a variety of other wildlife like spotted deer, sloth bears, nilgai jungle fowl, bonnet monkeys, and Indian giant squirrels. Coming to the bird species, there are 178 recorded bird species. While you can’t witness them all at the same time, some of the popular recorded bird sightings include that of threatened yellow-throated bulbul and grey-fronted green pigeon.
How To Reach
Photo: Munna Aawara / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: For the tourists taking a flight, Tirupati Airport is the nearest airport. You can find direct flights from Chennai and Bengaluru. Once you reach the airport, take a public bus or a taxi to Tirupati town and then to the sanctuary.
By Trains: The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Tirupati Railway Station, from where you can hire a bus or taxi to reach the wildlife sanctuary.
By Road: There are state-run and private buses that operate services that are available from other major cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. You can take taxis as well.
Things To Do
1. Embark On A Jeep Safari
Photo: Damian Patkowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The primary attraction inside the Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a jeep safari that takes you through the various zones where you can witness wildlife up close. These are guided tours through its diverse habitats, where you might encounter majestic elephants, elusive tigers, and the agile Indian leopard. The safaris are usually conducted once in the morning and once in the afternoon to ensure that the guests have a high chance of spotting the wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Indulge In Bird Watching
Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the popular Wildlife Sanctuary activities that you must indulge in is witnessing the bird population up close. With 200+ bird species in the wildlife sanctuary, you must take the time and be patient to witness the different elusive birds, flocking from one tree to the other. Some of the popular birds that you might get to witness there are the Indian Peafowl, the Painted Stork, and the Crested Serpent Eagle. For better visibility, carry a pair of binoculars with you.
3. Visit To Waterfalls
Photo: Abhinaba Basu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several picturesque waterfalls, including the Talakona Waterfalls. These majestic falls offer a refreshing break and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the sanctuary. The waterfalls are particularly stunning during the monsoon season when the water flow is at its peak. Some of the other waterfalls you must explore are Gundalakona and the Gunjana Waterfalls.
4. Trekking And Nature Walks
Photo: Roman Biernacki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Due to the sheer expanse of the Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take the time to indulge in adventure activities like exploring the trekking trails that wind through the dense forests. Also, there are guided nature walk experiences available around the sanctuary, which you can indulge in too. Some of the popular trekking experiences that you can indulge in are Penchalakona and Talakona areas where you can witness beautiful natural views and wonders along the way.
Places To Visit Around Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Tirumala Temple
Photo: 5171srinivas / Wikimedia Commons
If you haven’t already, one of the must-visit spots after exploring the wildlife sanctuary is the Tirumala temple, which is dedicated to Lord Balaji. The temple itself is located on top of the Seshachalam Range of Seven Hills in Chittoor district and is one of the most spiritually empowering places in Tirupati to visit and explore. There are beliefs that Lord Venkateswara fulfils all your wishes that you ask for at the temple.
Distance From Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary: 15 km
Timings: 24*7
2. TTD Gardens
Photo: Saminathan Suresh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another must-visit spot in Tirupati to marvel at the natural wonder is the TTD Gardens. It is a lush green man-made garden that spreads across an area of 462 acres. All the flowers that are offered to the deities at Lord Balaji temple are cultivated in the gardens. There are a variety of nurseries inside the garden that are named Travellers Bangalore, Gogarbham Dam, Padmavathi Guest House and Divyanamam. On average, roughly a million plants are cultivated there.
Distance From Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary: 25.2 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Kapila Theertham
Photo: Agasthyathepirate / Wikimedia Commons
Located around 4 km from Tirupati, Kapila Theertham is one of the most beautiful waterfalls worth visiting. The waterfall is located at the base of the Seshadri Hills, cascading from a height of 100 metres. There is an adjoining Lord Shiva temple around the waterfall, adding to the spiritual significance of the place. There is a massive idol of Nandi- Lord Shiva’s bull, which people worship inside the temple complex.
Distance From Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary: 7.1 km
Timings: 5 AM – 8:15 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Vecislavas Popa / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Due to the proximity of the wildlife sanctuary to the main city of Tirupati, finding budget-friendly and luxury hotels won’t be an issue at all. Some of the popular accommodations you can consider are Golden Tulip, Nakshatra Residency, MG Hotel IRIS, Sindhuri Park, and Starlit Suites.
Where To Eat
Photo: Vivekarasan M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Due to the sanctuary being located in Tirupati, all the eateries and restaurants that you will come across serve vegetarian food. You can get a taste of all the local delicacies there. Some of the popular restaurants you can try food at are Gufha Restaurant, Hotel Sri Nandhi, Usha Vasavi Restaurant, TastyLeaf Millets Foodcourt and Nine Flavours.
Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary enables you to indulge in an unforgettable experience with the nature around you. With the rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and diverse wildlife, visiting this wildlife sanctuary is an absolute must the next time you are around Tirupati. Plan a trip with TripXL to avail the best deals and discover the magic of this ecological paradise.
Cover Photo: Hidde Rensink / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
