Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary is a stunning spot for nature lovers. Located in Srisailam, this place covers an area of approximately 3,569 sq. km. The soil of the Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary is enriched with a great variety of flora and fauna and is located close to the Nagarjunasagar Reservoir. The sanctuary is dotted with around 150 species of birds. Here, one can view the rare species of birds, and many other species as well, including langurs, jackals, and macaques, etc. Furthermore, this sanctuary is also known as the largest Tiger Reserve of India. Particularly due to this, it also sees a great number of people visiting this natural reserve on an annual basis.
History of Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Here you will find several temples of Lord Srisailam and his consort Goddess Bharmaramba. She is considered as an incarnation of Maa Parvati as the fair-complexioned Goddess. Moreover, this area also contains the ancient ruins belonging to Nagarjuna Viswa Vidyalayam. It is said that this place was run by a great South Indian master named Nagarjunacharya who followed Mahayana Buddhism.
There was a time when you could have found a great number of Buddhist monasteries and universities here. And this area also has various rock shelters and cave temples which include Akka Mahadevi Bhilam, Dattatreya Bhilam, Kadalivanam, and a few more.
Modern History of Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
This place came under the protection of Project Tiger in the year 1983. It is interesting to know that before 1947, the southern half of this reserve was under the control of British India whereas the Northern part was controlled by the princely state of Hyderabad. In 1983, there were around 40 tigers in this reserve whereas, by 1989, the number had increased up to 90 in its population.
Major Attractions in and Around Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Hill Ranges of the Nagarjunasagar
The spot stands tall with the Nallamalai hill ranges. The site is encompassed with various cliffs, gorges, ridges, and plateaus. Indeed the topography of this place is quite a fantastic thing to explore. And what's more amazing is that the list does not end here, as you also get to explore the terrific variety of flora and fauna. The ecological significance of this place is, all in all, remarkable.
2. River Krishna
The river moves gracefully through the Nallamala hills and the wide horizon lets you witness the beauty of dawning and dusking skies. Here you get to find a very wide range of reptiles, pythons, delicate shelled turtles, and big crocodile species along with an abundance of nature.
3. Rollapadu Grasslands
Covering a range of 6 sq. km, the Rollapadu grasslands are encircled with various dry and thorny bushes. You can also locate the families of blackbucks here. This place is also known for the rare species of the Great Indian Bustard. It is basically a very large bird having a horizontal body and long legs. This gives this bird an Ostrich like feel.
4. Timber Species of Trees
The forest is enriched with thick timber species. Some of the local names which have been given to them are Nallamadi, Chirumanu, and so forth. Apart from that, the teak forest is another spot that can be explored where deers, sambars, and nilgais can be seen. If you are a wildlife lover then this is definitely the place for you to visit, at least once.
How to Reach Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary
A sheer paradise for people who love nature and travel photography; Nagarjuna Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by a wide variety of flora and fauna. To reach here and witness the incredible nature, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,817, 1,033, 1,483, 532 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the travel details below to know how you can reach here by public transportation.
By Air
Telangana is very well connected via the air route. The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad is the major airport connecting all the major flights via other cities and countries. It has good connectivity to other Indian cities. For travelling to Nagarjunasagar Wildlife Sanctuary it will take you an approximate time frame of around 1 to 2 hours, depending upon your location.
By Train
Secunderabad Rail junction is the nearest railhead. Apart from that, Kazipet and Warangal are some of the other railheads which you can use to reach Telangana via train network. It connects Telangana with some of the major cities.
By Road
The overall connectivity via road networks to Telangana, Hyderabad is quite good. You can easily reach from different cities such as Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, etc. Some of the major highways which you would need to take to reach this place are NH7, NH9, NH221, or NH222. To travel to this place via road would take you an approximate timeframe of about 14 to 27 hours depending upon your starting point.
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