The state of Andhra Pradesh is located in the southern part of India. This state, which is also called the "Koh-i-Noor of India" has beaches, hills and valleys, caves, wildlife, forests, lakes, pilgrimage sites, etc. They have not only beautified this state but have also made Andhra Pradesh one of the famous tourist destinations of India. National Parks of Andhra Pradesh are no exception in this regard. These national parks are described below.
Sri Venkateswara National Park
Sri Venkateswara National Park is situated in Chittoor and Cuddapah districts. It was established in September, 1989 and occupies an area of about 353 square kilometers. The geographical terrain of this park can be defined as undulating with forest covered valleys. A number of waterfalls like the Talakona, Gundalakona and Gunjana has bestowed popularity upon Sri Venkateswara. This park is occupied by dry deciduous mixed forest with patches of moist deciduous forests, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, golden jackals, Indian foxes, birds like yellow-throated bulbul, reptiles like gliding lizard, etc. Construction, quarrying and regular forest fires are the major problems faced by the park. These problems are likely to have detrimental effects on the wildlife and their habitat in the park.
Papikonda National Park
Papikonda National Park is located in East Godavari and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district of Telangana. It is spread over an area of about 1,012.86 square kilometers and was notified in the year 2008. The geographical terrain of Papikonda is characterized by dense forested hills, deep gorges, valleys, flowing streams and ponds. River Godavari lends beauty to this national park. Some of the animals of this park are tigers, leopards, sambar, spotted deer and bisons. This park houses both resident and migratory birds. Dry deciduous tropical forests, a variety of plants, shrubs, etc comprise the flora of this national park.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Rajiv Gandhi National Park in Andhra Pradesh was notified in the year 2005. It is spread over a total area of about 2.40 square kilometers.
