4 Best Wildlife Sanctuaries near Tirupati

At a distance of 31 km from Mahanandi, 33 km from Nandyal, 77 km from Ahobilam, 110 km from Kurnool, 143 km from Kadapa, 167 km from Srisailam, and 328 km from Hyderabad, Pacherla is a tribal village situated near Nandyal in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. This is one of the eco-tourism projects initiated by AP Tourism and among the best weekend getaways near Hyderabad.

Nallamala Jungle Camp at Pacherla is a community-based eco-tourism initiative which was started in 2017. The main aim of the camp is to elicit local support for wildlife, to impart conservation education to the visitors and to empower the local communities improving their livelihoods. Pacherla is the one among the three locations of eco-tourism programs initiated by Andhra Pradesh Government in Nagarjunasagar - Srisailam Tiger Reserve; the other two are Thummalabailu and Bairluty.

The camp is build around the concept of Jungle Lodges & Resorts (JLR) in Karnataka. Nallamala Jungle Camp has four semi-permanent cottages, 2 semi-permanent tented accommodation cottages, reception, and dormitory. Jungle safari is available for the tourists at this camp. About 2 hours of Jeep Safari offered by the Camp in the Nallamala Forests offers wilderness experience and exposure on the floral and faunal diversity of Eastern Ghats apart from its awesome landscapes. During Jeep safari, one can also visit Dongalabavi in the forest.

Nallamala forest is also ...

Distance from Tirupati: 282 Kms

At a distance of 38 km from Chennai Central Railway Station, Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a zoo park located at Vandalur in Chennai city of Tamil Nadu. Also known as Vandalur Zoo, it is one of the finest zoos in India, and among the best places to visit as part of Chennai Tour.

Established in 1855, Arignar Anna Zoological Park is the first public zoo in India, and is said to be one of the biggest in South East Asia. It is shifted to the current location of Vandalur reserved forests in the year 1979 and officially opened to the public in 1985. It is affiliated with the Central Zoo Authority of India. It is one of the popular Chennai tourist places.

Spread over an area of 602 hectares (1,490 acres), the zoo houses 2,553 species of flora and fauna. As of 2012 the park houses around 1,500 wild species, including 46 endangered species, in its 160 enclosures. One can spot a tiger, panther, wolf, deer, elephants, and other animals here. The park has a special free-range zone where animals can freely roam in peace. There are two sanctuary aviaries (with a walk-though aviary), a butterfly house, a reptile house, an amphibian house, a primate house, a crocodile enclosure, and the shark-shaped aquarium.

The park, with an objective to be a repository of the state's fauna, is credited with being the second wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu ...

Distance from Tirupati: 145 Kms

At a distance of 53 km from Mahabalipuram, and 89 km from Chennai, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a protected sanctuary situated at Vedanthangal near Mahabalipuram. It is one of the oldest water bird sanctuaries in India, and among the popular weekend getaways from Chennai.

Vedanthangal literally means 'the hamlet of a hunter' in the local Tamil language. It was so named as being a famous hunting grounds for the local landlords during the 18th century. Realizing this ornithological importance of the region, the British government declared it as a bird sanctuary in the year 1798, making it the oldest of its kind in the country. And, among the most popular places to visit near Mahabalipuram.

Covering a total area of 30 hectares, the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary is a popular migratory home for around 40,000 different species of birds from all over the world. This region seems to have attracted birds because it has several small lakes that became convenient feeding grounds for the birds.

The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife photographers. The Barringtonia mangroves, the rich floating habitat, extensive paddy field, and those mighty flying creatures make the Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary a beautiful setting to escape to the crowd and noise of busy city life ...

Distance from Tirupati: 154 Kms

At a distance of 27 km from Vellore Town Railway Station, Amirthi Zoological Park is situated under the Javadu hills of Tellai across Amirthi River. Established in 1967, the zoo park occupies an area of 25 hectares. It is named after the Amirthi River which flows next to the park.

This park is popular for its waterfalls, swing and animal habitats. Half of this jungle is cleared to serve as a tourist spot while the other half is developed as a wildlife sanctuary. One km trek in the park leads to a full view of Amirthi falls, a small cascading seasonal falls. Visitors can play and swim in the pool formed by the falls here in monsoons.

Animals in the park include spotted deer, mongoose, hedgehog, foxes, reason monkeys, red headed parrots, love birds, tortoises, peacock, crocodiles, wild cats, eagles, ducks, pigeons, wild parrots, rabbits and pythons. Many herbal and medicinal plants can be seen growing in the Park. A meditation hall and rest houses for stay are available at the Park premises. The Park is especially delightful for kids with children play area.

This zoological park has been recognized recently and so the state Government has taken initiative to develop it. Amirthi Zoo can be reached from Vaniyambadi via Kanikkaniyan & Melmoil.

The best time to visit the park is from October to March.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

Distance from Tirupati: 135 Kms