National Parks In India

Venkateswara National Park

Location of Sri Venkateshwara National Park spreads over the districts of Chittoor and Cuddapah in Andhra Pradesh state that makes it unique. Its total area consists of 353.62 sq.kilometers. Wonderful location of hilly topography looks unique with the presence of Seshachalam and Tirumala hills surrounding it. In fact steep slopes, gorges,  plateaus and valleys turn the place totally enthralling. The park is also famous for its beautiful waterfalls like Gunjana, Gundalakona and Talakona .

Several waterfalls in the park makes it truly appealing. Major waterfalls remaining under attraction are Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana et al. Tigers, civets, jackals and black bucks are some major animals in this park. The fauna in this park is rare. Take for example golden gecko besides Indian giant squirrel whose presence make this park exclusive. This park became part of Biosphere reserves of India upon the declaration of the Indian government in 2010 to offer such status to the Seshachalam Hills.

General Information

State	Andhra Pradesh
District(s)	Chittoor, Cuddapah
Established	1989
Nearest city	Tirumala/Tirupati
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Area	353 sq km (136 sq mi)
Elevation	976 m (3,202 ft)
Climate	Hot
Precipitation
Temperature	30 °C
Summer	15 °C
Winter	40 °C

 

History

Extending its area over the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateshwara National Park was established in 1989. Location of this park at a distance of mere 10 kilometers from Tirupati makes too much accessible. The whole area of 506 sq. kilometers is big indeed so is the collection of variegated wildlife, excellent flora, fauna and most importantly its being surrounded through Seshachalam and Tirumala Hills keep it into the limelight.

The visitors find in this place a true adventure to enjoy due to the greenery that projects total naturalness and other natural elements including gorges, steeps, slopes, valleys and plateaus that are extremely beautiful. Major natural waterfalls Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana enhances beauty of this park manifold. The forests in this park are dry as well as moist with specific proportion. This park is crucial one with the collection of 1500 plant species representing the 176 groups. Take for example the famous trees here that include Sandalwood, ,Cycas beddomei Shorea, Thunbergiana, Red sanders,  Shorea talura and et al.

Collection of animal species too is not limited so visitors find good collection especially some endangered species amongst others. Few of them are rare slender Lorises and golden Gecko besides Indian Giant Squirrel, Nilgai, Tree Shrew, flying lizards,  leopards Wild boar, and hyena that one hardly finds in other parks.

More than hundred birds species are wide collections out of that crested serpent eagle, Indian roller,ashy crowned finch lark, white bellied woodpecker and Kingfishers are major ones. It remains best park for the nature lovers indeed.

Best Time To Visit: Visitors should prefer arriving this park from November to January months which is perfect time for arrival. One may though arrive anytime in the whole year.

How To Get There

By Air: Tirupati is the nearest airport to this place and one gets connected to the nearby Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Vijayawada cities through domestic flights.

By Rail: Hyderabad is the nearst railway station with Tirupati serving as closest of railhead. Several trains pass through this place in the Renigunta or Gudur route which is a bit away from Tirupati. One may choose Renigunta if arriving by train as it is mere 10 kilometers from Tirupati city hence remains easiest option.

By Road: Well connected by road this park is situated at a distance of 10 kilometers from actual Tirupati city. As capital city of Tamil Nadu state Chennai is located at a distance of 160 kilometers one reaches here by driving for three hours.

Things To Do: Having been established in the year 1989 this park has unique location of spreading over Chittoor and Cuddapah districts of Andhra Pradesh state. Total area of this big park is 353.62 sq. kilometers and most notably the greenery and naturalness makes it worthwhile due to abrupt slopes, so are the valleys and plateaus making it unique. Its close proximity to Tirupati at mere 10 kilometers turns it completely adventurous place to explore.

There are many endangered and renowned species of animals inside this park. They make good varieties and especially notable are rare plant specifies representing many plant families whose availability is worth exploring. A few common animals here are rare willowy Lorises, golden Gecko, Indian giant squirrel, flying lizards and tree shrew, nilgai et al. Different types of wild boars, leopards and hyena make good choice. Several trees and birds fascinate park visitors.

The captivating waterfalls Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana attract park visitors especially those loving nature. Although it is open for whole year but most suitable months to visit are from November to January which is best time to go there.

Location Map

Accommodation: The Forest Rest House, Rajampet & Forest Rest House, Tirupati provide accommodation to park visitors. One may stay in Tirupati based luxury hotels as well.

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