Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary

Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary, established in 1978, is located at a distance of 138 Km from Nandyal and 156 Km from the Kurnool district of the Indian state Andhra Pradesh. It became a tiger reserve in 1983. It is the largest Tiger Reserve in the country and was renamed as Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992. The sanctuary spread over five districts including, Kurnool, Guntur, Nalgonda, Mahaboobnagar and  Prakasam in Andhra Pradesh. Krishna River flows through the sanctuary over a distance of 130 Km. making the place more serene. Srisailam and Nagarjunasagar dam are located within the sanctuary.


 

Climate of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary

Climate of the sanctuary is usually dry and hot during summer and pleasant during winter months. Minimum and Maximum temperature varies between 8 degree Celsius and 45 degree Celsius throughout the year. Summer months are from March to June, Monsoon occurs from June to November and winter takes place in November to February.  South West Monsoon occurs from June to September and North East Monsoon takes place from October to January. Best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March.

Flora & Fauna of Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary

The sanctuary has southern tropical moist deciduous Forest, Southern dry mixed deciduous forest types intermingled with bamboo brakes, grasslands and scrub. Trees like Chloroxylon swietenia, Boswellia serrata, Teak, Terminalia tomentosa and Terminelian bellerica are in abundance here.

Faunal population of the sanctuary is incredible. Some of the inhabitants of the place are Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Jungle Cat, Bengal Fox, Jackal, Wild Dog, Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Indian Spotted Chevrotain, Tiger, Striped Hyena, Wolf, Smooth-Coated Otter, Chinkara, Leopard,  Indian Muntjac, Wild Boar, Sambar, Indian Soft-Shelled Turtle,  Indian Porcupine, Four-Horned Antelope, Giant Flying Squirrel, Nilgai, Monitor Lizard, Blackbuck, Indian Pangolin, Spotted Deer, Indian Tree Shrew,  and Marsh Crocodile.

Accommodation in Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary

Tourists have two choices for staying near the sanctuary. Either you can stay at the guest houses maintained by the Devasthanam Committee, or you can stay at the rest houses and cottages operated by the forest department.

How to reach Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Sanctuary

Macherla, the nearest town located at a distance of mere 29 km is easily accessible by all means of transportation available.

By Air: Hyderabad International Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 220 km.

By Rail: Markapur, which is located at a distance of 85 km. is the nearest railway station.

By Road: The place is located at a distance of 85 km. from Markapur, 190 km. from Kurnool and around 210 km from Hyderabad.

Quick Facts

Established - 1978
Area - 3568.09 Sq. Kms
Best time to visit - October to March
Nearest airport - Hyderabad, 220 kms away
Nearest railway station - Markarpur, 85 kms away
Entry – Paid
Pets – Not allowed
Timings - 7.00 AM - 6.00 PM

Contact Details:

Field Director, Project Tiger, Sunnbipenta Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh – 5181102. Tel.: 08524- 86098.
Field Director, Project Tiger, Srisailam Dam East, Andhra Pradesh – 512102.
DFO, Achampet, Phone: 08541-272136; Cell No. - 9440810060
DFO, Nagarjuna Sagar, Phone: 08680-276877; Cell No. - 9440810062;
Forest Range Officer, Nagarjunasagar, Cell No. - 9440 810283.
DFO, Atmakur, Phone: 08517-283337; Cell No. - 9440810058.
Forest Range Officer, Atmakur, Cell No. - 9440 810 273.
DFO, Markapur, Phone: 08596-222082. , Cell No. - 9440810059
Forest Range Officer, Markapur, Cell No. - 9440 810266.