Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the popular sanctuaries in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The Sanctuary is located 12-km from Paloncha in Khammam District. The sanctuary houses varieties of species of wild animals, birds and reptiles. The sanctuary covers an area of 635.4 sq kms. It serves as the homeland for various endangered species. The Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary received its name and identity from the Kinnerasani River. The river divides the sanctuary and finally merges with the Godavari River.
Flora and Fauna of Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. It serves as the homeland for animals like Cheetal, Chinkara, Chousinghas, Sambar, Wild Boars, Gaurs, Hyena, Jackals, Panthers, Sloth Bear, Tigers, Black Bucks and others. It also houses a variety of birds like Peafowl, Jungle Fowl, Quails, Partridges, Teals, Nuktas, Spoonbills Doves and others. Apart from these the sanctuary is home to a variety of reptiles like Python, Cobra, Kraite and Vipers.
The sanctuary also features dry deciduous mixed type forests with teak, bamboo and terminals. Tourist can also see Bamboo, Teak, Maddi, Yepi, Yegissa, Sommi Thandra, Bandaru, Amla and Tengu in the jungle area. The tree tops remain occupied by variety of migratory birds. Apart from these the Kinnerasani Wildlife sanctuary also offers its tourists to visit various other parks like Deer Park, Kinnerasani Dam and Reservoir. These are also a part of the attractions of the Kinnerasani wildlife sanctuary. Nature lovers can also relish the sight of perennial springs such as `Togus` flowing through this sanctuary along with Kinnerasani Rallavagu.
Tourists can put up in the glass guesthouse built by the tourism department and enjoy the Eco Park near dam, Environmental Education Centre and Luxuriant forests along the fore shore of the Reservoir. The best time to visit the Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary during the months of June to October. There are other guest houses for the tourists in Paloncha and Kothagudem. The sanctuary is easily accessible by rail and road. The nearest railway station is at Bhadrachalam, which is about 25-km from Kinnerasani.
