Reserve Forests, Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks List In Andhra Pradesh & Telangana.

[SK01]

Hey all,

 

Dussehra vacations are on the way and I started planning from today itself for my next wildlife trip. 

Woke up in the morning to see a mail about the vacations ?

for me its going to be a long holiday from 13th October to 21st October.

What could be more happier on a Monday morning than opening a mail about the long holidays... ?

 

So coming to the point,

 

I request people over here to give some information about the forests reserves in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, AP mostly as I will be spending most of my time in Vijayawada and Ramachandrapuram (EG Dist).

 

Been to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve this year  visited Nallamalla forests the previous year, and Maredumilli forests before Nallamalla (couldn't spend much time though). this time also I'm planning to visit some place and want to spend some time, at least a day or two in the forest. 

 

everyone please give the list of places which will also be useful for wildlife enthusiasts like me as there are very less posts on wildlife here. 

 

 

[sagar]

17 hours ago, Krish said:

 

for me its going to be a long holiday from 13th October to 21st October.

 

 

Nice one @Krish, And if that's such a long holiday.. I think you should travel outside Andhra and Telangana  You should explore forests reserves like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Gir and Sundarbans  

 

[SK01]

 
Nice one [mention=342]Krish[/mention], And if that's such a long holiday.. I think you should travel outside Andhra and Telangana [emoji3] You should explore forests reserves like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Gir and Sundarbans [emoji4] 
 

Spent much on my Tadoba trip@sagar
This time planning small, next year planning for some foreign tour.

[sahil]

We posted the list of wildlife sanctuaries and forests in India drive. Please search and tag here..it is a very comprehensive list..

[sahil]

I have planned for Maredumilli and Araku during Dussehra holidays, a drive from Bhadrachalam via forest route. But due to the current situation in and around Araku, I'm rethinking.
Probably visit jinnaram wild life and places near manchiryal and Karimnagar dist. Like temples and Godavari..
I will cover bogatha and muthyaladara water falls near eturunagaram..

[sahil]

We posted the list of wildlife sanctuaries and forests in India drive. Please search and tag here..it is a very comprehensive list..

Found the list
https://www.india-drive.com/applications/tapatalk/index.php?/topic/434-Indian-Wildlife-Sanctuaries-&-National-Parks-Details

[SK01]

Found the list
https://www.india-drive.com/applications/tapatalk/index.php?/topic/434-Indian-Wildlife-Sanctuaries-&-National-Parks-Details

I think that's my post. Unable to open the link. If it's my post, there's not much of info about forests in AP. I should work on that post, edit and add few more details.

[SK01]

I have planned for Maredumilli and Araku during Dussehra holidays, a drive from Bhadrachalam via forest route. But due to the current situation in and around Araku, I'm rethinking.
Probably visit jinnaram wild life and places near manchiryal and Karimnagar dist. Like temples and Godavari..
I will cover bogatha and muthyaladara water falls near eturunagaram..

Skip Araku. And how's the resorts in Maredumilli? And what about the Safari? I'm not too worried about the animal spottings, all I want is to venture into the drop forest.

Do you have any info?

[sahil]

I heard good reviews about Jinnaram forest and there is a stay and safari option. And also it is close to kuntala water falls.

[sahil]

Check the Bairluty , pacherla Wilde life...seems to be good.

[SK01]

Check the Bairluty , pscherla Wilde life...seems to be good.

Done long back [emoji28] check the report in my profile.

[sahil]

Done long back [emoji28] check the report in my profile.

Check this if u r interested. Drive into forest..
https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrakote_Falls&ved=2ahUKEwiJ2ITh6dXdAhXJRY8KHXLKA34QFjAtegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw0yTw_pjn1ZbLPTODahVZJB

[uday]

You can explore Maredumilli to Aruku, without taking highway. 
Via Sileru, it is beautiful. 

[SK01]

You can explore Maredumilli to Aruku, without taking highway. 
Via Sileru, it is beautiful. 

Been to Maredumilli. Couldn't explore much because of my vehicle. It's a Honda City and I'm always concerned about its GC and manoeuvrability in a forest due to its length. [emoji852]️

[sagar]

3 hours ago, Krish said:

Spent much on my Tadoba trip@sagar

 

Since you are pinned towards animal spotting, you should opt to go outside AP, Telangana considering that you have covered the most. If at all you are looking at enjoying the drive through the forests, there are quite a many..

Maredumilli - Lambasingi - Sileru - Mothugudem - Maredumilli is a beautiful circuit that you should consider to enjoy the native forest drive. Note that it should be an early morning drive through this circuit  

 

3 hours ago, Krish said:

This time planning small, next year planning for some foreign tour.

 

For the type of person you are and the type of places you are inclined to, Masai Mara should fall top on your list and also Madagascar  

[SK01]

 
For the type of person you are and the type of places you are inclined to, Masai Mara should fall top on your list and also Madagascar [emoji4] 

Well said anna [emoji28]

That's on my bucket list. Will do Masai Mara soon. Just waiting for a 100-400mm zoom lens. Want to go there with a proper gear.

[SK01]

 
For the type of person you are and the type of places you are inclined to, Masai Mara should fall top on your list and also Madagascar [emoji4] 

Will do Maredumilli. Will go through Varun's report and enquire him about the places and roads.

[SK01]

@sagar have you been to any of the mentioned two places? Or anyone from our forum??[emoji848][emoji848]
Just wondering if there's anyone who had done this...

[ksa171983]

3 hours ago, sahil said:

Check this if u r interested. Drive into forest..
https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitrakote_Falls&ved=2ahUKEwiJ2ITh6dXdAhXJRY8KHXLKA34QFjAtegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw0yTw_pjn1ZbLPTODahVZJB

this is excellent

[ksa171983]

2 hours ago, uday said:

You can explore Maredumilli to Aruku, without taking highway. 
Via Sileru, it is beautiful. 

i would try this out this year Thanks

[sagar]

On 9/25/2018 at 4:46 PM, sagar said:

 

Maredumilli - Lambasingi - Sileru - Mothugudem - Maredumilli is a beautiful circuit that you should consider to enjoy the native forest drive. Note that it should be an early morning drive through this circuit  

 

 

Don't miss to do this if you are planning for it @ksa171983  

 

On 9/25/2018 at 4:54 PM, Krish said:

@sagar have you been to any of the mentioned two places? Or anyone from our forum??
Just wondering if there's anyone who had done this...

 

I haven't done any of the above either but have friends who have done them earlier... I shall do it soon too   

[ksa171983]

3 minutes ago, sagar said:

 

Don't miss to do this if you are planning for it @ksa171983  

@sagar yea noted .. mostly will just do this stretch .. relax over the night and then back

[sahil]

On 9/25/2018 at 1:26 PM, sahil said:

I have planned for Maredumilli and Araku during Dussehra holidays, a drive from Bhadrachalam via forest route. But due to the current situation in and around Araku, I'm rethinking.
Probably visit jinnaram wild life and places near manchiryal and Karimnagar dist. Like temples and Godavari..
I will cover bogatha and muthyaladara water falls near eturunagaram..

Is any one did Jinnaram wildlife sanctuary visit. Can you share u r reviews?

 

On 9/25/2018 at 9:09 PM, sahil said:

Is any one did Jinnaram wildlife sanctuary visit. Can you share u r reviews?

This is what I'm talking about
https://telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/wildlife/mancherial/jannaram-wildlife-sanctuary.html#parentHorizontalTab3

[ksa171983]

1 hour ago, sagar said:

Maredumilli - Lambasingi - Sileru - Mothugudem - Maredumilli 

 Btw what is the scene with naxals in this stretch ? Safe with family ? Have heard about some conflicts amongst cops and naxals .

[sagar]

On 9/25/2018 at 9:47 PM, ksa171983 said:

 Btw what is the scene with naxals in this stretch ? Safe with family ? Have heard about some conflicts amongst cops and naxals .

 

There won't be any problem in that case... But, if in case you happen to meet anyone in the midway or at your stay.. make sure that you never answer them that you are a government servant or a person with political contacts..  

 

On 9/25/2018 at 9:09 PM, sahil said:

Is any one did Jinnaram wildlife sanctuary visit. Can you share u r reviews?

 

Hey @sahil, One of my friend had done this road trip to Jannaram in February expecting some wildlife spotting in the safari considering the weather conditions but, he had utterly failed to spot any except for the sambar deers and peacocks.

He stayed at the Kadem Haritha resorts for a night which is 30 kms away from the Kawal sanctuary. The safari tickets should be bought at the Jannaram Haritha resorts.

200 per head are the safari charges which they charged him to take them in a TATA Xenon.

They were not just disappointed with the safari but also the dried out Pochera and Kuntala falls  

 

[sahil]

 
Hey [mention=1121]sahil[/mention], One of my friend had done this road trip to Jannaram in February expecting some wildlife spotting in the safari considering the weather conditions but, he had utterly failed to spot any except for the sambar deers and peacocks.
He stayed at the Kadem Haritha resorts for a night which is 30 kms away from the Kawal sanctuary. The safari tickets should be bought at the Jannaram Haritha resorts.
200 per head are the safari charges which they charged him to take them in a TATA Xenon.
They were not just disappointed with the safari but also the dried out Pochera and Kuntala falls [emoji4] 
 

Ok. Feb is not a good time to visit water falls as water will be dried up in most places.
Thank you so much and the information you provided is very helpful.

[sahil]

[mention=7]sagar[/mention] yea noted [emoji4] .. mostly will just do this stretch .. relax over the night and then back [emoji4]

Is this tour finalised? Are you heading to Maredumilli and sileru?
And the stay options?
I am still thinking where to go towards Maredumilli or Kawal wildlife sanctuary...however I'm sure we will be on road trip from Oct 18 to Oct 21st.

[sagar]

7 minutes ago, sahil said:

Is this tour finalised? Are you heading to Maredumilli and sileru?
And the stay options?
I am still thinking where to go towards Maredumilli or Kawal wildlife sanctuary...however I'm sure we will be on road trip from Oct 18 to Oct 21st.

Maredumilli is definitely the best option available amongst the 2, but I doubt if you would be able to get the accommodations over there since the dates are pretty close.. More over it being a Dussera weekend, can expect the resorts to be full  

[sahil]

Maredumilli is definitely the best option available amongst the 2, but I doubt if you would be able to get the accommodations over there since the dates are pretty close.. More over it being a Dussera weekend, can expect the resorts to be full [emoji3] 

Ok. Noted. Thank you. Will see..

[ksa171983]

4 hours ago, sahil said:

s this tour finalised? Are you heading to Maredumilli and sileru?
And the stay options?

@sahilno buddy .. could not get accommodations there so change of plans now 

[sahil]

On 10/1/2018 at 3:32 PM, ksa171983 said:

[mention=1121]sahil[/mention]no buddy .. could not get accommodations there so change of plans now 

 

Oh ok. Let me the exciting places u r heading to once u have the plan....

 

On 9/25/2018 at 2:51 PM, sahil said:

Check this if u r interested. Drive into forest.

 

For the list of forests and sanctuaries check wildtrails app.
They give the animals daily spotting list and notifications as well. It's a good app and had so much info.

 

On 10/1/2018 at 3:42 PM, sahil said:

Oh ok. Let me the exciting places u r heading to once u have the plan....

I'm heading to Warangal - Laknavaram, bogatha for 2 days. Starting on Oct 18th

Day 3 - Laknavaram - kaleshwaram - Kawal wildlife life safari - stay in kadam Haritha 1 night -
Day 4 - Dharmapuri - kondagattu - vemulawada - Hyderabad. Oct 21

Let me know if there are any suggestions on the route, places to visit along the route and near to these places..

 

Kuntala and pochera water falls are near by. But not sure I can get time to cover. My other plan is to cover these 2 water falls even I go to tadoba or when I drive to Ujjain/omkareshwar

[sahil]

[mention=1121]sahil[/mention]no buddy .. could not get accommodations there so change of plans now 

Where you head to?

[sahil]

I'm heading to Warangal - Laknavaram, bogatha for 2 days. Starting on Oct 18th

Day 3 - Laknavaram - kaleshwaram - Kawal wildlife life safari - stay in kadam Haritha 1 night -
Day 4 - Dharmapuri - kondagattu - vemulawada - Hyderabad. Oct 21

Let me know if there are any suggestions on the route, places to visit along the route and near to these places..
 
Kuntala and pochera water falls are near by. But not sure I can get time to cover. My other plan is to cover these 2 water falls even I go to tadoba or when I drive to Ujjain/omkareshwar

Any suggestions/ more info for kawal , kadam visit?

[ksa171983]

4 hours ago, sahil said:

Where you head to?

Going to Bhavani island and would be covering couple of beaches and temples by Sunday ... heading out tomorrow early hours ..

[Prashant]

Any suggestions/ more info for kawal , kadam visit?

You can as well stay at Haritha resorts, Jannaram. This will be nearer to the Kawal Tiger Reserve. You meet the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) n explain your interests. Should help you. DFO can guide you to venture inside. The forests are not that much thickly populated as compared to the 1980s.
I have been there few years back to relive my Dad's tenure as DCF (Dy. Conservator of Forests). Stayed at the forest guest house (not maintained properly). The house we lived then was abandoned. The sawmill has been closed long ago. The badminton courts constructed are still maintained. Was very happy to see.
Take a boat ride in Kadam waters.
Wishing you luck to spot tigers.

[sahil]

You can as well stay at Haritha resorts, Jannaram. This will be nearer to the Kawal Tiger Reserve. You meet the DFO (Divisional Forest Officer) n explain your interests. Should help you. DFO can guide you to venture inside. The forests are not that much thickly populated as compared to the 1980s.
I have been there few years back to relive my Dad's tenure as DCF (Dy. Conservator of Forests). Stayed at the forest guest house (not maintained properly). The house we lived then was abandoned. The sawmill has been closed long ago. The badminton courts constructed are still maintained. Was very happy to see.
Take a boat ride in Kadam waters.
Wishing you luck to spot tigers.

Great. Thank you for the info. I booked a room in kadam Haritha..

[Prashant]

Great. Thank you for the info. I booked a room in kadam Haritha..

Enjoy the nature. Looking forward to the trip report.......

[sahil]

Enjoy the nature. Looking forward to the trip report.......

Just for some reference, shall I quote your father name in case as our friends?

[Prashant]

Just for some reference, shall I quote your father name in case as our friends?

Yes. My father Late M. P. Mathur (Maharaj Prasad Mathur). You can call me too if required.

[sahil]

Yes. My father Late M. P. Mathur (Maharaj Prasad Mathur). You can call me too if required.

Great. Thank you[emoji106]

[Prashant]

Great. Thank you[emoji106]

Most welcome. Anytime Always[emoji4]

[sahil]

Great. Thank you[emoji106]

Thank you Prashant and all. I completed my trip successfully and it's an awesome experience....visited Laknavaram, kaleshwaram temple, kaleshwaram barrage, Kawal wild life santuary, kadam dam, temples like Dharmapuri , kondagattu anjaneyaswamy , vemulawada.
I will share the details and pictures in the coming weekends...

[Gowtham]

22 hours ago, sahil said:

Thank you Prashant and all. I completed my trip successfully and it's an awesome experience....visited Laknavaram, kaleshwaram temple, kaleshwaram barrage, Kawal wild life santuary, kadam dam, temples like Dharmapuri , kondagattu anjaneyaswamy , vemulawada.

 

Wow, that list is impressive.

Waiting for your report. 

[sahil]

Laknavaram –Kaleshwaram - Kaddam  dam- Kawal - Dharmapuri - Kondagattu - vemulawada– Hyderabad

Dates - Started on  20 Oct Saturday @ 7.30 am , reached hyderabad - 21 Oct 2018 @ 10 pm

 

Day 1 - Started at Laknavaram @ 7.45 AM  after breakfast with wife and kids

Reached Kaleshwaram in 2 hrs. The route is good and goes via Ramappa and Bhoopalpally. 

Visited  Godavari river ghat and the temple.

Temple is a very old. There are 2 shiva lingas inside temple. One Shiva linga for Yama Dharma Raja and the other for Lord Shiva.

After the temple visit started to Kadam dam / Kawal. To cross check the google maps correctness for the route, I enquired locally with 3 to 4 people.

Found that the route showing by google map is not the correct one. It is showing 116km. I need to cross the Godavari river to reach the high way on the other side which goes to Machiryal and Nirmal. With google map route, only 2 wheeler vehicles will go. When I try to find the other route in google map, it is showing 165 km, via Ramagundam/Manthani. Few people told  me that there is a route via Kaleswaram barriage and is good. After around 5 kilometers traveled back in the bhoopalpally route, took a diversion route via Kaleswaram barriage .

Later I realised that I should not have taken this route as it has lot of pot holes and many places no road at all. The speed reduced to 20 Kmph and it is around 25 km, we traveled like that and reached the main highway  NH-63 at Chinnur. Only solace is, we were able to see the under construction kaleshwaram barriage.

 

 

 

 

From Chinnur to Manchiryal, the road is in good condition. But in few places they are laying 2 lane road and there are diversions need to be watched. Reached Manchiryal by 1 PM and enquired few places for good restaurant.  Had Lunch at Geeta  bhavan quickly which is besides bus stand. Food is ok types. Started to Kawal via NH 563/ SH 24. Gave few calls to book Safari at Kawal. But couldn't get safari booking and they said, preference only for the people who stay at Haritha. We were able to reach Jannaram by 3.30 PM and as its on the way we visited the Safari reception office to recheck once.  As couldn't get safarai, we have asked for next day morning safari and started to Kadam dam  which is 30km from there where I booked the stay for that night.

 

Reached Kadam Haritha by 4.15 and checked into room. Went quickly to the boating as it will be closed by 5PM. Boating is really disappointment as its only 20 mins and they didn't go long.

No kayaking option. 

After the boating went on Drive / walk on the dam which is good. stayed there till 6 pm and back to room for snacks. 

Snacks (manhuria) and tea is Good. Need to give dinner order by 7PM, so that it get ready by 8.30 pm. 

Surprisingly food and rooms are clean (didn't expect). I went with zero expectations. The Haritha hotel has ample car parking and manager is also helpful.

 

Sunset from the dam.

 

 

Rooms at Kadam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daty 2 - Next day morning sun rise at Kadam dam

 

 

 

 

After the break fast and checked out room, and went to Jannaram for Safari. As no safari sharing option available, took safari for our family alone.

Almost went 20KM total inside forest. But only found few deers and Nilgai. The forest is very deep and good. But if your purpose is to have a glimpse of animals, this is not a place.

Few pictures - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next destination is Dharmapuri  temple - 

Which is also on the Godavari river bank. The temple is very old. There also people doing special pooja for Yama Dharma Raja. After visiting the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, we quickly started for our next destination Kondagattu Anjaneya swamy temple. On the way at Jagityal had lunch. 

Visited Kondagattu temple. the route from Kondagattu temple to Vemulawada is not good. It took long time for us. Reached Vemulawada by 6 PM. HAd a quick darshan and at 7 PM we started back to Hyderabad and reached there by 10 PM. 

 

Dharmapuri Godavari Ghat - 

 

 

 

 

Note - My write up may not be good. my apologies for all the mistakes. there are more picks in my DSLR, but still not copied yet to my laptop.

 

 

 

 

[sahil]

Note - My write up may not be good. apologies for all the mistakes. there are more picks in my DSLR, but still not copied yet to my laptop.

Also, didnt take pictures at Kondagattu and Vemulawada as very less time and is getting dark. We almost covered 5 places on  2nd day. Our original plan is to have safari on 1st day but not materialized. that effected alot on the 2nd day itenary.

[sagar]

On ‎11‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 12:12 AM, sahil said:

 Our original plan is to have safari on 1st day but not materialized. that effected alot on the 2nd day itenary.

 

Wonderful Report @sahil. Thanks a lot for these details especially about the Haritha, Kadem stay. True that Dharmagiri is definitely not a place for animal spotting but, I must say you were still lucky for spotting the deers in their habitat  

[Sridhar Tandra]

On 11/17/2018 at 12:12 AM, sahil said:

Note - My write up may not be good. apologies for all the mistakes. there are more picks in my DSLR, but still not copied yet to my laptop.

We are more than happy for the effort you took to provide this information buddy! @sahil