Kondakarla Ava - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 49 km from Vizag, and 86 km from Lambasingi, Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary is a sanctuary situated at Kondakarla village in Achyutapuram Mandal of Vizag district, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the popular places to visit near Vizag, especially for Ornithologists.

Kondakarla Ava Bird Sanctuary is a popular tourist place as it houses one of the largest freshwater lakes, the Kondakarla Ava in the country. Nestled along the foothills of the Eastern Ghats, it covers an area of about 1,832 acres beginning from Munagapaka to Atchutapuram mandals. Kondakarla Ava lake used to be a popular picnic spot for Vizianagaram kings and the British before India's Independence. Flanked by magnanimous hills, the lake is believed to support a total of twenty-one villages in the state of Andhra Pradesh flanking along with the River Sarada.

Managed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation and Kondakarla Panchayat, Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary is a bird lover's paradise. It comprises a unique and endangered forest type and the wet evergreen forests. It is recognized as an Eco Tourism destination. The lake attracts a wide range of birds such as Grey Herons, Red Whiskered Bulbul, Black Drongo, among others. The place is famous for its Pheasant Tailed Jacana.

Besides, boating across the lake of Kondakarla Ava is a memorable experience on its own. Local villagers construct boats out of two palm logs tied together with wooden planks forming seating arrangements. Stability over water has never been an issue. Additionally, the lake supports about twenty-five different types of fish. The lake and the sanctuary take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city, breaking away into clear, rejuvenating arenas of nature.

Timings: 7 AM to 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 10 for Person & Rs. 50 - 100 for Boating