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Renowned for being the largest tiger reserve in India, Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most renowned sightseeing spots for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary spreads across five different districts in Andhra Pradesh and parts of Telangana as well. If you want to witness tigers in their natural habitats and from an up close and personal experience, visiting the Wildlife Sanctuary is an absolute must. Once you are done exploring all the temples around Srisailam, spend the rest of your time exploring the wildlife sanctuary.
Quick Details
Name: Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary (part of Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve)
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Nallamala Hills, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: Open 24 hours
Established: 1978
Area: Approximately 3,568 square kilometres
Major Attractions: Wildlife spotting, trekking, boating, Srisailam Temple
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: Entry fee is none and jeep safari starts from INR 800 per trip
Best Time To Visit: June to October
About
Photo: Jessupaul / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
It is a vital part of the Nallamala Hills ecosystem. It is the largest tiger reserve in India and is also named the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, which covers five districts across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Nandyal, Prakasam, Palnadu, Nalgonda and Mahabub Nagar. It was initially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and was later recognised under Project Tiger in 1983. The official name of this place is Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary. While the main attraction here is the Bengal tiger, there are a variety of other wildlife including the Indian leopard, sloth bear, Indian pangolin, chital, sambar deer, etc.
How To Reach
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport to this wildlife sanctuary. From the airport, you’d need to take a public bus to reach the main city and then hire a taxi to take you directly to the sanctuary.
By Train: The nearest city to the Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is Kurnool, so the nearest railway station is the Kurnool Railway Station. From the station, hire a taxi for a comfortable ride to the sanctuary.
By Road: Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible by road from Hyderabad, Kurnool, and other nearby cities. The sanctuary is connected by well-maintained highways, and several private and state-run buses operate routes to the sanctuary. You can alternatively hire taxis for a comfortable journey to the sanctuary.
Things To Do
1. Wildlife Safari
Photo: Damian Patkowski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The most popular activity that you can indulge in when you visit Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is the wildlife safari experience. Guided jeep safaris offer visitors a chance to explore the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems and spot some of its most elusive inhabitants, including Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, and the sambar deer. The safaris are held twice a day, once in the morning shift and the other during the late afternoon period. Also, beyond spotting the wildlife, you get to experience the varied terrain, from dense forests to open grasslands, which exist in the sanctuary.
2. Bird Watching
Photo: Yathin S Krishnappa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Unlike jeep safaris where you get to explore the active zones around the sanctuary, bird watching is one of those activities that require patience. With 150+ bird species that are recorded to thrive in this sanctuary, you have to take the time to truly explore every one of them. Notable species include the Indian Pitta, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Crested Serpent Eagle. The potential of the bird-watching experience is usually the best during the winter months, which coincide with the migration month too. Also, carry binoculars with you to witness the birds more precisely.
3. Visit The Srisailam Dam
Photo: Munna Aawara / Wikimedia Commons
Another experience that you can’t miss out on when visiting the wildlife sanctuary is to take some time out to visit the Srisailam Dam as well. The dam provides irrigation and power to the region and is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it a great opportunity for you to capture photographs. You can enjoy the view of the reservoir and the surrounding hills from the dam’s observation points. The area around the dam also offers opportunities for picnicking and leisurely walks.
4. Trekking
Photo: Roman Biernacki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Due to the expansive area that the Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across, the trekking experience is also popular here. Trekking in Srisailam provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Krishna River and the lush green hills of the Nallamala range. Some of the popular trekking routes that you can explore from the sanctuary are the Srisailam Dam viewpoint and the route through the dense forests to the Srisailam Temple.
5. Discover Ancient Caves
Photo: రహ్మానుద్దీన్ / Wikimedia Commons
If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can explore the surroundings of the wildlife sanctuary to witness different kinds of ancient caves around as well. These caves hold a lot of spiritual significance. Some of the must-visit caves in the near vicinity of the sanctuary include Umaa Maheshwaram, Kadalivanam, Palankasari, Dattatreya Bhilam and Akka Mahadevi Bhilam.
Places To Visit Near Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Siva Mallikarjuna Temple
Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The main attraction in Srisailam, beyond the tiger reserve, is the Srisailam Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Legends suggest that this is the temple where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati visited to bring back their son, Kartikeya, where he left home and came into hiding in Srisailam. To ensure that the deities were close to their son, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati opted for the name of Arjun and Mallika and stayed in Srisailam under that guise, which led to the temple’s origin.
Distance From Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: 28.4 Km
Timings: 5.30 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 7 PM
2. Octopus Viewpoint
To immerse yourself in the stunning views and landscapes of Srisailam, trek to the Octopus viewpoint. From the vantage point, you get to witness the views of River Krishna and the surrounding dense forests. With its location around 48 km from Srisailam, you reward yourself with some much-needed break from city life.
Distance From Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: 47.9 Km
Timing: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person
3. Chenchu Lakshmi Tribal Museum
Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a unique look into the local tribal community and their history and way of living, consider visiting the Chenchu Lakshmi tribal museum. It is a major attraction in Srisailam that offers all the details you’d likely need to know about the local Chenchu tribe. The museum displays an extensive collection of artefacts, weapons, and daily accessories.
Distance From Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary: 27.4 Km
Timing: 8:30 AM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: ₹10 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: Hakim Santoso / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Due to the proximity of the wildlife sanctuary to the main city of Srisailam, you can find a variety of unique accommodations. Some of the best accommodation options include Hilltop Mrugavani, Hotel Srisaila’s Nest, and Hotel Haritha.
Where To Eat
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are a few local eateries located around the Mannanur fcorest check-post. However, if you want to dine in at a proper restaurant, you’d have to reach the main Srisailam city where you can eat at restaurants like Trishul Restaurant, Kumbakonam Degree Coffee, Srisaila Family Restaurant A/c and Rajadhani Garden & Family Restaurant.
Srisailam Wildlife Sanctuary offers a blend of natural beauty, wildlife exploration and cultural experiences, all packed into one. You can embark on jeep safaris, explore the nearby caves and temples and even set out on adventure experiences around. To ensure that you don’t miss out on any of these experiences, plan a trip with TripXL in advance for comprehensive travel assistance and personalised itineraries.
Cover Photo: Nick Karvounis / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
