Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary In Warangal

Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is one of those rare ecoregions of the world that has various emergent species of deciduous elements. This wildlife sanctuary is considered one of the oldest sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh, India. Dense forests and green grasslands of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary provide shelter to numerous species of plants and animals.

Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary: Introduction

The Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh, India at a distance of 90 kms. from Warangal and 250 km. from Hyderabad. It is a narrow strip of forest formation alongside the southern coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. This wildlife sanctuary, which spreads across 806 sq. kms of dense forests and green grasslands in Warangal district, was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1953 by the erstwhile Hyderabad Government due to its rich bio-diversity. Climbers are the unique features of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, which are found in abundance across the length and breadth of this natural park. The area is full of steep and gentle slopes. Moreover, the sanctuary area has historical importance owing to the presence of tree fossils in the Sarvai area and caves.

Wildlife in the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is the homeland to many characteristic floristic elements typically dominated by thorny species such as Zyzyphus glabarrima, Dicrostachys cinerea, Randia dumetorum, and Carissa spinarum while other plant species include Bamboo, Pterocarpus, Anogeissus, and Buchanania. Southern tropical dry deciduous teak and many of its other forms including Timan, Kodesa, Abnus, Gumpena make the wildlife sanctuary a significant place for botanists. The deep forests of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary provide habitats to several endangered mammals and reptiles including Tiger, Sloth Bear, Four Horned Antelope, Chinkara, Black Buck, Panther, Wild dog, Wolf, Jackal, Giant Squirrels, Crocodiles, Python, Star Tortoise, Cobra, Monitor Lizard, Krait, to name only a few.

Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary: Tourist Information

Climate : The climate of the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary region is usually hot round the year with an average rainfall of 800-1000 mm. Most of the precipitation occurs during the brief northeast monsoon between October and December. Maximum temperatures during the long dry season in summer soars upto a stifling 44° Celsius while winters in the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary are usually mild.

Best time to visit : October to April is considered the best time to visit the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to get there

By Road : A number of buses and private transport to the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary are available from Warangal.

By Rail : The nearest railway stations are Warangal and Kazipet, at about 100 km away from the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.

By Air : Hyderabad is the nearest airport, which is 250 km away from the Etunagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.