Hyderabad
Mrugavani
National Park (Chilkur)
An
urban refuge for small mammals such a Wild Boar, Jungle Cat
and birds, containing the endemic flora of Hyderabad, the
parks offers quietude and is just 25 km from Hyderabad. |
| |
Mahavir
Harina Vanasthali National Park
Sheltering
350 Blackbucks, 400 Cheetal, Wild Boar, small mammals,
reptiles and over 50 species of birds, this park is a good
location to spend a day off being only 15 km from Hyderabad. |
|
Osmansagar
Lake
Popularly
known as Gandipet, the most sought after picnic-spot,
Osmansagar Lake is a drinking water reservoir for Hyderabad.
Created by a dam across the Isa, a tributary of the River
Musi, the lake overlooks the heritage Sagar Mahal resort.
|
| |
Shamirpet
Soothing
environs, comfortable cottages, a serene lake abutting a deer
park, Shamirpet is an ideal getaway because of its proximity
to the city that’s just 24 km away. |
| |
Nehru
Zoological Park
Home
for around 3000 animals, birds and reptiles, the Nehru
Zoological Park is spread across 300 acres of verdant
greenery, with 250 species living in conditions resembling
their natural habitat. The biggest zoo in India, also the
first to create moats around enclosures, the park has a Lion
Safari, Natural History Museum, a children's train, and APTDC
maintained Haritha Restaurant.
|
Tirupati
Horsley Hills
Originally
known as Eenugu Mallma Konda, it later became Horseley Hills named
after an erstwhile Collector of Cuddaph, W.D.Horsley. This hill
resort that is about 150 km from Tirupati, is located at a height of
1.265 meters above sea level. Environmental park, Lake Gangotri and
the Horsley Hills museum are some of the well known tourist spots.
The excellent cool weather makes it a favourite destination during
the hot summers.
Sri Venkateswara Sanctuary
Sri
Venkateswara Zoological Park which is spread over an area of 506 sq
km is a wild life sanctuary and dedicated to research in
Environmental Studies. A unique feature here is the vast natural and
simulated enclosure concept, which helps the animals to move around
freely.
Mehboobnagar
Pillalamarri
The
most interesting place to see in Mahabubnagar is the famous banyan
tree called Pillalamrri, which is about 4 km from the town. There is
a tomb of a Muslim saint under the tree. At least 1000 people can
easily take shelter under this 700 year old banyan tree and its
branches extend over an area of 3 acres. In Telugu, "Pillalu"
means children & "marri" means a banyan tree. There is
also an aquarium, a small zoo and an archaeological museum here.
There is a boating facility in the premises of Pillalamarri
available only during the rainy season.
Nellore
Pulicat Lake
Pulicat
Lake is the second largest brackish water lagoon in India,
spread over the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,
adjacent to the Bay of Bengal. It extends over 600 sq km in
Andhra Pradesh and is a bird watchers paradise. Migratory
water birds and other birds like Flamingos, Painted Storks,
Egrets, Grey Pelican, Grey Herons, Pintails, Black winged
Stilts, Shovelers, Terns etc., visit this lake during winter. This lake is connected to the National Highway, and is only
80 km from Chennai. It is near the Sriharikota Atomic Missile
Range (S.H.A.R).
|
| |
Nelapattu Bird
Sanctuary
Nelapattu
bird sanctuary is one of the largest Pelicanary in South East
Asia with more than 1500 Pelicans and other birds visiting
every year. The big fresh water tank of Nelapattu Bird
Sanctuary, the presence of good number of “Barringtonia
Acutangula” trees which can tolerate inundation for long
periods in the tank bed and fore shore areas make this
sanctuary a haven for a broad spectrum of bird species for
both breeding and roosting. It is a breeding ground for some
of the rare and endangered species like Grey Pelicans,
Open-billed Storks, Little Cormorants, Spoonbills, White Ibis,
Night Herons, etc. A wide variety of birds, like Egrets, Tern,
Ducks, Waders etc., also rest here.
There is an Environmental Education Centre in the Sanctuary
with a Museum, Library and Auditorium with Audio Visual
Equipment for screening of slides, films etc, on wild life.
Watch towers are also available to watch the birds at the
Sanctuary.
|
Vishakapatnam
Araku Valley:
Soothe
your sun tan in this cool hill station. It's a pleasant hill station
with scenic gardens, green valleys, waterfalls and streams. 112 km
from Visakhapatnam, the journey to Araku valley on the Eastern Ghats
with thick forest on either sides is an exploration in itself. 3200
ft above the sea level, the climate here will make your trip worth
every effort.
Highlights: Tribal Museum. Chaaparai - a picnic spot 15 km from
Araku. A peak into the lifestyle of the aboriginal tribes living
here keeping their tradition and culture alive. About 19 tribes
inhabit this area. Sway to the beats of the Dhimsa dance, an age-old
folk dance.
Borra Caves:
These one million year old rock formations are the prima donna
of the Araku secenario. You will be amazed to see the natural
rock formations culminating into popular mythological figures.
Every year on Mahashivaratri, these caves are thronged by
tribals from the surrounding area. The entire cave resonates
with songs of joy and devotion. |
| |
Tyda:
It
is a small village nestling in the wooded hills of the Eastern
Ghats, on the way to Araku and is 75 km from Vizag. Be at the
Jungle Bells Nature Camp, an Eco-Tourism Resort to explore the
nature's bounty. The camp provides great view of Eastern Ghats,
trekking, hiking and bird watching in addition to
accommodation in log huts amidst serene surroundings. Nature
lovers got to come here. |
| |
Anantagiri:
Wake
up and smell the coffee. It won't just be a phrase any more.
The entire village is surrounded by coffee estates, while
waterfalls adorn the hillocks around. |
Kambala Konda:
With
a deer park, bird park, cozy cottages, canteen, environmental
education, nature trails with well trained local guides this is
quite a family destination. Everyone is sure to have fun here. Do
not miss a visit to the nearby zoo here.
Kurnool
Belum
Caves
Situated
110 km from Kurnool, it is the longest cave system in the plains of
India. These underground caves are located under a flat agricultural
field and have three well like cavities with the central one being
the main entrance. The exquisite stalactite and stalagmite
formations and the imaginative colour illumination are the main
attractions of the Belum Caves, which were adjudged as an
"Unique Eco-Tourism Project" by the Government of India.
Oravakallu
Oravakallu
is a miniature Grand Canyon, 60 km from Kurnool, filled with water
bodies and sandwiched between exotic rock formations. Experience
pure bliss, lazing around and gazing at nature's architecture,
untouched by man. A true adventure site, Oravakallu has everything
that makes for a perfect picnic spot.
Rollapadu
Sanctuary
Rollapadu
Bird Sanctuary is located in Kurnool district and extends over
an area of 614 sq km. The sanctuary is covered by dry thorny
forests scattered with dry cereal crops, cotton, groundnut and
castor. Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary is home to Black Buck, Bonnet
Macaque, Indian Bustard, Indian Roller, Sparrows and Mynas.
Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Jackal, Wolf and Indian Fox
also can be spotted in the sanctuary.
The Bird
Sanctuary is about 60 km from Kurnool and is near Nandikotkur.
Best time to visit is October to February. Tourists can stay
at the forest rest house in Kurnool and the inspection
bungalow at Nandikotkur. State transport buses operate from
Kurnool and Nandikotkur at regular intervals to the sanctuary.
|
| |
Nagarjunasagar
- Srisailam Sanctuary
The
largest of India's Tiger Reserves, the
Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Sanctuary (3568 sq km.), lies in the
state of Andhra Pradesh. The terrain is rugged and winding
gorges slice through the Nallamalai hills. Adjoining the
reserve is the large reservoir of the Nagarjunasagar Dam on
the River Krishna.
This dry
deciduous forests with scrub and bamboo thickets provide
shelter to a range of animals from the tiger and leopard at
the top of the food chain, to deer, sloth bear, hyena, jungle
cat, palm civet, bonnet macaque and Pangolin. In this
unspoiled jungle, the tiger is truly nocturnal and is rarely
seen during the daytime.
|
Rajahmundry
Gowthami Ghat
If
you are looking for some simple fun where you can unwind and enjoy
an outing with your family, then this is the place to be. Take a
walk along the Ghat, and enjoy nature's beauty. Also a place for
children to have great fun.
Papi Hills
Away
from the hustle-bustle and amidst the tranquility, you can set
yourself free in the beauty of the green hills here. These hills are
located in a village named Perantala Palli, which is also famous for
its spectacular waterfall at Munnivaatam. If you're looking to spend
some time in nature's bliss, then this is it.
East Godavari
Maredumilli
Jungle Star Nature Camp is a nature lover's paradise. The camp
provides an excellent opportunity to explore the eastern ghats.
Located adjacent to the river Valamuru, the camp has a stream
flowing on 3 sides overlooking the Vali-Sugriva of the Ramayana era.
The remarkable variation of the battle ground with the presence of
grass lands, encircled by forests on the other hillocks draws the
attention of visitors to this epic story.
Coringa Forest and Hope Island
Situated
20 km from Kakinada and 70 km from Rajahmundry, this sanctuary is a
part of river Godavari and has a rich growth of Mangrove plantation.
A unique feature of this sanctuary is that it's located on the back
waters of the sea. Otter, a protected species is found here among
other animals which include Fishing Cat, Jackal, Sea Turtle and
Estuarine Crocodile. The common birds found are Snipes, Ducks, Sea
Gulls and Flamingos. Accommodation is available at the forest rest
house, at Coringa and Rajahmundry. Best season to visit is between
October and May.
Rampachodavaram (Eco-Tourism)
One
can drive down to Marademalli, which is just 20 km away, it's a
little known hill station. The drive through the dense jungle is
quite enjoyable and one can expect to encounter wildlife. At
Maredumilli, coffee, pepper and rubber are cultivated by the tribals.
Forest Department accommodation is available at Maredumilli. Or one
can also stay at Rampachodavaram in the APTDC guest house.
Vijayawada
Kolleru
Lake
If you are a nature lover, then this is where you must head. The
largest fresh water lake, Kolleru lake is a virtual paradise for
nature lovers. Rich in flora and fauna, it attracts migratory birds
from Australia, Siberia, Egypt and Philippines between the months of
October and March. During this season, the lake is visited by an
estimated 2,00,000 birds, which include Open Bill Storks, Painted
Storks, Glossy Ibises, White Ibises, Teals, Pintails, Shovellers,
Red-Crested Pochards, Blackwinged Stilts, Avocets, Common Redshanks,
Wigeons, Gadwalls and Cormorants, among others.
Krishna Wild Life Sanctuary, Avanigadda
This
is one of the few mangrove habitats in Andhra Pradesh. These dense
mangrove forests are nestled on the estuary of River Krishna and
provide habitat to Hyena, Jungle and Fishing Cat, Fox, Bear, Spotted
Deer, Sambar, Black Buck, Cobra, Russels Viper, Water Snake, Rat
Snake and Tree Snake, Garden Lizard, Wall Lizards, Land tortoise,
and also a good variety of birds including Crested Serpant Eagle,
Indian Roller, Wagtails, Pipits. This makes the Krishna Wildlife
Sanctuary is a perfect place for bird-watching
Undavalli
Caves
The historic caves are located at the top of the high hills
overlooking the Krishna River. Built during the 4th-5th century,
their structure suggests that they were hewn out of solid rock on
the hillside. Dedicated to Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narasimha
Swamy, Undavalli Cave Temples are associated with the Vishnukundina
kings.It is also believed that Buddhist monks used these caves as
rest houses. A remarkable 5 metre long figure of Vishnu reclining on
the serpent couch - Anantasayi is the focal point of the second
storey of the Caves Temple. The sculptures are testimony to the
dexterity and skill of the artisans of the ancient times. The caves
are located about 8 kms from the RTC Bus stand, in Vijayawada.
Uppalapadu
Bird Sanctuary
Uppalapadu
village is situated in Guntur District, 2 kms away on the Madras
Highway and 33 kms from Vijayawada. Look forward to seeing different
species of birds, both locally found and migratory ones as well.
Guthikonda Caves
Located
near to Karampudi, about 38 kilometers from Narasaraopet, the
Guthikonda Caves are set in the midst of thick forest. These caves
are one of the most magnificent natural beauties of the region.
Khammam
Kinnerasani Sanctuary
Located
35 km from Bhadrachalam & 24 km from Kothagudem, Kinnerasani
sanctuary forms a part of the Dandakaranya forests in Khammam. Lying
on the banks of river Godavari, it derives its name from the
Kinnerasani river. The sanctuary supports a variety of flora and
fauna like the Tiger, Gaur, Python, etc.
|