Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary

The total area that the wildlife sanctuary covers is 635.40 sq. km., which is about 157,010 acres. The pristine Kinnerasani Lake is located at the center of the park and enhances the region?s beauty to a great extent. The densely forested islands floating on the lake make it look even more attractive. The meandering Kinnerasani River, a tributary of river Godavari, dissects the forest area into valleys and hillocks before uniting with the Godavari River. The flowing of this mighty river through this wildlife park gives the landscape an unparalleled scenic beauty. While roaming the park, the visitors can come across many ?Togus? (perennial springs), which are quite a beauty.

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The diversity of nature best witnessed at kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary

One of the most diversely decorated reserve forests in Telangana state is Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, located in BhadradriKothagudemDistrict placed in the eastern region of the state. Formerly, this region was a part of the Khammam District. According to the Hindu mythology, this wonderful wildlife reserve, which lies on the right bank of Godavari River, is a part of the Dandakaranya Forests of Tretayugam. As per the legends, it is believed that Lord Rama used to live here during his exile. The sanctuary received its name from the famous Kinnerasani River that flows through it. The wildlife park was established in 1977 and in the year 1981, the region was officially declared as Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary and watchtowers were constructed all over to keep a constant watch over the entire area. Initiatives have been taken by the government to increase the population of the animals that inhabit the place and for their protection.

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Which are the cities located close-by ?

Nearest cities are ? Palwancha is about 7.4 km away, Kothagudem which is about 19.9 km away, Bhadrachalam is 25 km away, Khammam is 93.2 km away, and Hyderabad is about 289 km away from this wildlife sanctuary.

The region remains quite hot and dry for the most part of the year. In this area, the maximum temperature rises to 45 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature falls to 15 degrees. The average annual temperature is 28 degrees Celsius. This area gets an average rainfall of about 863.55 mm per year with the advent of the southwest monsoon.

June to October is considered as the most suitable time to visit the sanctuary. With the advent of the winter, animal sighting becomes less frequent as most animals start to hibernate.

The oh-so-gorgeous fauna and foliage

Flora species

The wildlife sanctuary comes under theEastern Highlands Moist Deciduous Forest region and the major vegetation type in this sanctuary is mixed, deciduous forest. Dry teak woodlands, dense scrubs, and grasslands can also be spotted. Types of trees and plants that can be spotted here are ? Bamboo, Neem, Banyan, Tirman, Amla, Tapasi, Kanju, Jamun, NallaMaddi, Mango, Yegisha, Garuga, Yepi, Somi, Tendu, Bandaru, Indian licorice, Indian olibanum, Indian Fig Tree, Indian Elm Tree, Strychnine, Torch Wood Ixora, Asiatic Bushbeech, Mahuva Butter, etc.

Fauna species

The quadrupeds - The varied fauna species in this wildlife sanctuary may seem to be astounding to any visitor. Here are some of the species of wild animals found here ?Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Gazelle, Indian Boar, Indian Bison, Indian Leopard, Indian Fox, Indian Sloth Bear, Indian Jackal, IndianMuntjac, Indian Hare, Crested Porcupine, Panthers, Wolves, Nilgai, Giant Squirrel, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Wild Dog, Black Sloth, Jaguar, Four-Horned Antelope, Rhesus Macaque, Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Black Deer, Cheetal, Chinkaras, Chausingha, Gaur, Ruddy Mongoose, Asian Palm Civet, Blackbuck, etc.

The reptiles

A huge populace of mugger or marsh crocodiles is found in the park.The Kinnerasani Lake is the home to the marsh crocodiles, which are found here in large numbers. Other reptile species include ? Iguanas, Chameleons, Monitor Lizards, and Highly Poisonous snakes like Cobra, Python, Viper, Kraits, etc.

The birdies

The Kinnerasani Lake is the home to many migratory birds like Teals, Cranes, Nuktas, Doves, etc. which flock towards the lake area, much to the delight of the birdwatchers. The avifauna species include ? Spoonbills, Hoopoe, Partridges, Golden Oriole, Openbill Stork, Kingfisher, Parakeet, Peafowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Stork, Quails, Black Swans, and a lot more.