Complete Guide to Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Telangana

The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve stretches across 3,568 square kilometers and encompasses five districts namely Nalgonda, Mahbubnagar, Kurnool, Prakasam and Guntur. Thus, making it the largest Tiger Reserve in India. The southern part of the reserve was initially maintained as a hunting reserve for the royalty of Hyderabad and their guests. The woody slopes of the Hills and the vast plateaus along with the dense greenery of the area make it a picturesque and breathtaking experience. This Reserve, which is situated in the scenic Nallamalai Hills, resonates with the vibrance of the wildlife found here.

Climatic Conditions

The climatic conditions at the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve is dry and hot during summer and pleasantly cool during the winter and monsoons. This area receives around 700-900 mm of rainfall annually with temperatures ranging from a maximum of 45° Celsius in the peak of summer to a minimum of 8° Celsius in the peak of winter. The Reserve receives the South West Monsoons between June to September and the North East Monsoons between the months of October to January.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Reserve is between the months of October to March when the climate is pleasant and the weather condition is conducive to travel.

Wildlife at Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

This Reserve is one of the prime seats of Project Tiger and has successfully increased the Tiger population by a remarkable 130% between the years 1983 to 1989. This Reserve boasts of having over 150 species of Avians. The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve has an extremely rich biodiversity and makes for an extremely adventurous trip. Being one with nature and observing the grandeur of the Royal Bengal Tiger at such a close range makes for an enthralling experience.

Fauna

The animals found at the Reserve are Indian leopard, Indian Python, Giant Squirrel, Dhol, Chital, Sambar Deer, Chevrotain, Sloth Bear, Blackbuck, Chinkara and Chowsingha. Indian Pangolin, Mugger Crocodile, King Cobra, Indian peafowl, etc.

Flora

The vegetation found at the Reserve includes Teak, Terminelian bellerica, serrate, Ficus, Terminalia tomentosa, Chloroxylon swietenia, Boswellia Bamboo, etc.

Activities In and Around the Reserve

Srisailam, is a strictly vegetarian town, travellers can savor the authentic Andhra cuisine here. The Forest Department does not provide vehicles for park tours. Jeeps can be hired from commercial centers at affordable rates. Reserve visits are only as authorized by the Field Director. The reserve prohibits vehicular traffic during the night. The area is also famous for its cave temples such as Dattatreya Bhilam, Kadalivanam, Akka Mahadevi Bhilam, Palankasari, Umaa Maheswaram. This area also contains the ancient shrines of Lord Mallikharjuna and the goddess “Bhramaramba” his consort, which respectively contain one of the twelve Jyothirlingas and one of the eighteen Maha Shakthi peethas of the country. Thus, the area holds ecological as well as religious significance.

Distance From Nearby and Major Cities

This Reserve can be accsessed from Srisailam. The nearest city to the Reserve is Hyderabad, which is also the nearest airport.

Hyderabad – 216km (134 miles)
Kurnool – 190km (118 miles)
Guntur – 220km (137 miles)

Nearest Airport

Nearest airport is Hyderabad located at a distance of 216km from the Reserve, it is a 6 hours journey to or from the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

Nearest Railway Station

Marchelna is the nearest Railway station to the Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve.

Road Accessibility

The Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve can be accessed from Kurnool via roads and is 190km away from Kurnool.

Accommodation Facilities and Entry Fee

To enter the Reserve prior permission needs to be sought from the Field Director, a reservation has to be made with the authority for the rest house (Devasthanam). An Enquiry regarding the Entry Fee can also be made with the same.
Contact: The Field Director, Proiect Tiger, Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Sunnipenta Srisailam-5181 02.
Ph: 08524-286089;
Cell No: 9440810057

Alternatively accommodation is available at Cottages at Mannanur, Mayuri Guest at Domalapenta, APTDC Cottages at Srisailam and Dornal.