Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, located at a distance of 15 kilometres from Kadapa in Cuddapah district of the South Indian state Andhra Pradesh, is famed as the refuge of the rare Jordan`s Courser which is regarded as a highly endangered bird. It encompasses an area of 464 square kilometres. Tourism in Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a visual treat where one can enjoy the nature`s beauty at its best among the diverse flora, fauna and vivacious wildlife. The sanctuary has a hilly terrain having gorges and steep slopes. The place enjoys a cool and dry climate from December to February whereas it has summer from March to May. The advent of southwest monsoons is marked between June and September.
Flora of Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
The climate of the sanctuary supports a huge diversity of biotic communities. Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in dry evergreen shrubs and dry and deciduous mixed forests. It shelters about 1400 plant species belonging to 176 families. It also features a special flora called `red sanders` which covers a major portion of the forest. Other species of plants found here include Anogeissus, Hardwickia and Cassia among the non thorny species while Carissa, Zizyphus and Acacia among the thorny ones.
Fauna of Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Jordan`s Courser is the most prominent fauna and is considered to be on the verge of extinction. However the sanctuary authorities have taken sufficient measures to preserve them. Other species found here commonly include Indian Pangolin, Grey Partrigde, Wild Pigs, Spotted Deer, Black Bull, Wild Boar, Bristly Porcupine, Bear, Quail, Jackal, Mongoose, Panther, Fox, Wild Sheep, Monkey, Tiger, Stately Sambar, Malabar Squirrel, Bonnet and many more. Marsh crocodiles form another prime attraction of the forest.
Visiting Information
Sri Lanka Malleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected through road, rail and air. The nearest airport to reach the sanctuary is Tirupati Airport while Cuddapah is the nearest railway station. It can be also reached via roadways form Cuddapah. The best time to visit the place is between the period of October and March. Cuddapah and Siddavatam houses forest rest houses for providing accommodation facilities to the tourists. The sanctuary is a paradise for nature lover. It also offers an adventurous experience during the monsoons when the place exhibits resplendent beauty of nature.
