Tiger Reserves In India

Andhra Pradesh Kawal Tiger Reserve

The Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is considered to be one of the renowned sanctuaries in the state of the Andhra Pradesh. Located in Jannaram, nearly 50 kms away from Mancherial which falls in Adilabad District, this sanctuary is located 60 kms away from Hyderabad. Established in the year 1965, this sanctuary protects the endangered flora and fauna in their natural habitat.

Owing to its rich bio diversity, this sanctuary is now called a wildlife sanctuary which was few years ago managed as a Game Reserve. The sanctuary is spread on a vast area of 893 sq-km. Tourists from all over the world come to visit this sanctuary. It has 2 watch towers which provide eye catching views of different animals, birds and the exquisite surroundings.

History

This tiger reserve is spread on a region of 893sq kms. It encompasses pristine dry deciduous forests. Earlier this reserve was a judicious mix of awareness and enforcement which caused the welcome turnaround that provided protection to flora and fauna. But now due to initiation of assortment of conservation measures at Kawal Reserve, the prey populace necessary for existence of keystone fauna like leopards and wild dogs has gone up.

The government of Andhra Pradesh has declared this tiger reserve as the 42nd tiger reserve in India. The government has also issued a notification to this respective effect notified under Sec 38V of Wildlife Act. Government has declared that the main aim of this reserve is to maintain, manage, restore, and protect representative biodiversity that belongs to the Deccan plateau which lies along the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges together with the ecological processes as well as conservation of wild animals, mainly focusing on tigers.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The climate of Kawal Tiger Reserve is generally dry and hot, apart from during the months from June to September. Hence this specific period is considered to be the best time for the tourists to visit this Tiger Reserve.
Winter season is mainly preferred for visiting this tiger reserve as during this time, this place is full of its natural glory.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Kawal Tiger Reserve is November to May.

Places to Visit

Apart from visiting Kawal Tiger Reserve, there are few other attractions near this reserve which you visit. These are Religious places, Water Gateways and Heritage Places, Picnic Spot of Nellore, Kakinada, Vizag and Vijayawada.

How to Reach

Kawal Tiger Reserve is an appropriate place for witnessing plethora of flora and fauna of India. Alidabad district is well connected to its nearby towns. There are different modes of transport which are available from nearby districts.

By Road

The localities of this city prefer reaching this tiger reserve by bus. There is a main center in Hyderabad from where regular semi deluxe and deluxe buses run for Alidabad.

By Train

Alidabad has a railway station which has excellent connectivity to different locations. There are frequent trains also which run to Hyderabad. Mancherial is a nearby railway station which is around 225 km from Hyderabad.

By Air

Hyderabad and Nagpur have respective airports.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

The Kawal Tiger Reserve has dry bamboo, deciduous teak forest together with other myriad of flora species. Owing to its rich bio diversity this tiger reserve is called as a sanctuary now. There are numerous trees, shrubs, and herbs found here.

Fauna

Mammals

Tourists who are visiting this tiger reserve can get a glimpse of plethora of species of animals like sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, jaguars, pumas, lions, tigers, panther, Indian bison, braking deer, nilgai, sambar, cheetah, together with other less carnivores like Thamin deer, spotted deer, elephants, hippopotamous, hyenas, wild dogs and wolves etc. There is a crocodile complex which has three different kinds of crocodile species. The sanctuary also proves to be shelter to different kinds of monkeys like olive baboons, Mandrills, bonnet monkey, rhesus monkey, and langur.

Birds

Kawal Tiger Reserve houses different birds like kingfishers, pigeons, mynahs, owls, kites, eagles, vultures, quails, peacocks, partridges etc. The reserve has large collection of birds like – cockatiels, budgerigars, love birds, ducks, peacocks, painted storks, pied horn bills, rosy pelicans, great pelicans etc. During the month of December, there are number of migratory birds which can be seen. If you are an enthusiastic bird and animal lover, then you must wait near the rivulet and spot these animals as they come and drink water.

Reptiles

Besides these mammals and birds, the sanctuary houses different reptiles also like monitor lizard, terrapins, land tortoise, snakes, water monitor lizard, cobra, star tortoise, crocodile, python etc.

Wildlife

Kawal Wildlife sanctuary is a popular tourist spot which is rich in its bio diversity while is well known for its natural habitat of birds and animals.

Where to Stay

Accommodation is not an issue at Kawal wildlife sanctuary as it has a Forest Guest House, which is comfortable and convenient. There are numerous nearby hotels also where you can put your stay.

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