Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is located in Vanasthalipuram, on the outskirts of Hyderabad city in Telangana. It is situated at a distance of about 15-km on the Hyderabad- Vijayawada road. It is one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in the state. Earlier the place served as the Nizam`s, former Hyderabadi rulers hunting grounds. Later however, it is converted into a wildlife sanctuary that is home to beautiful black bucks with their spiral horns along with several species of birds.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park in Telangana has been named after the renowned Jain saint `Lord Mahavira.` It was established in 1975, in commemoration of his 2500th birth anniversary. This deer park has been maintained by the Forest Department. The government took up the initiative to regain the land in order to conserve the deer in the forest and revitalize it. The sanctuary has an undulating terrain, of 189 hectares dominated by acacia trees and grasslands.
Flora and Fauna of Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park portrays a picturesque look during the monsoon season. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. Besides Acacias, neem, Bauhinias, Buteas (Flame of the forest) and a variety of thorny scrub species are some of the flora found here.
The main species of fauna found here is the endangered Black Buck, the state animal of Telangana. There are over 400 black bucks (Amtelope Cervicapara), about 500 Cheetals and large herds of wild boar. Other animals that are found here are monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines besides a variety of snakes. Several species of birds can also be seen here like Partridges, Quails, peacocks, Doves, pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and birds of prey like kites, vultures etc are found here. A variety of migratory birds of over 80 species are traceable here. Short-toed Eagle is another rare species nesting in this area.
Many rest sheds have been provided for the tourists. Even big observation towers have been constructed to enable the viewers to get a glimpse of the animals inside the park. Facilities of van ride are available inside the park for observing the animals from a close distance. The forest Department offers audio-visual education on nature and wildlife and a good nature library. There is an exhibition hall with the sanctuary that portrays intricate problems of wildlife conservation.