Everything You Need to Know about Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh and is the only elephant reserve present in the southern state of India. The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the only place in the state where Asian elephants reside. But these elephants are not native to the region, and that is what makes this elephant sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh so unique. You see, this region did not harbour a single elephant until about two centuries ago. But then, at some point in the last two hundred years ago, a few Asian elephants migrated here, and the state of Andhra Pradesh had their first-ever elephant population.

Records suggest it was during the period from 1983 to 1986 when a considerably large herd of elephants left the nearby forests of Anekal-Hosur of Tamil Nadu and Bannerghatta of Karnataka in search of more conducive habitats. Out of this herd, about 39 Asian elephants reached the forests of Andhra Pradesh that eventually became the Koundinya Bird Sanctuary. Realizing the significance of this incredible natural event, the state government established the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in December 1990. Today, this elephant sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is home to more than 72 elephants.

Although the reason for this migration is not entirely apparent, it has only grown over time. Surveys suggest that the previous decade saw an unprecedented rise in this surprising migratory trend of Asia’s largest terrestrial mammals. Asian elephants have been relocating to this wildlife sanctuary near Bangalore at a higher rate than ever before, perhaps in search of a more hospitable environment.

Wildlife at Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary has a wide variety of flora and fauna besides the significant attraction of Asian elephants. The plant life in this wildlife sanctuary near Bangalore consists of predominantly deciduous and thorn forests. Typically, the southern tropical dry flora can be found throughout the region. Most notable members of the flora in Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary are Bamboo, Acacia, Albizia Amara of Fabaceae family, and a few other species. Trees and sections of semi-dense forests are found interspersed within this deciduous stretch of land. Ponds, tanks of water and the river tributaries Koundinya and Kaigal are the sources of water in these forests. Terrain-wise, the Kaundinya sanctuary is characterised by rugged hills and deep gorges.

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known as the only sanctuary in the state with Asian elephants. But there is more to this elephant sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh than just elephants. A wide variety of terrestrial and aerial wildlife co-exist here. Sloth bears, cheetah, chowsingha, sambar, porcupine are some of the commonly –sighted herbivores of the region. Predators like a panther, jungle cat, jackal and omnivores like wild boar are also present. For bird-lovers, the endangered yellow-throated bulbul and jungle fowl are the primary attractions of the Kaundinya Bird Sanctuary. Starred tortoise and slender loris are the aquatic and arboreal residents, respectively, of this wildlife sanctuary.

Unique things about the Sanctuary

The scenic vistas of deep ravines, crystal-clear waters of the Koundinya and Kaigal tributaries are some of the features of this terrain that make it an idyllic weekend destination to escape from the hustle-bustle of our every-day urban. Of course, the Asian elephant population of the region is its greatest unique-selling-point. But the situations surrounding the inhabitation and conservation of these elephants is also quite intriguing. For one thing, even though the government has proclaimed the region as a safe-haven for all wildlife including elephants, there is an ever-present threat to their existence due to repeated conflicts with the human inhabitants of the area. Issues like overgrazing and illegal wood-cutting arise due to unchecked social activities of the nearby settlements. These issues, especially over-grazing by reared cattle, leads to a severe shortage of food for the elephants which are known for their massive appetites. Add to that the cultivation of sugarcane, sorghum and ragi crops near the forest areas and the elephants naturally enter these farmlands in search of sustenance.

Such inquests by these terrestrial giants have led to various man-animal encounters, not all of which end peacefully. In the last 18 years, elephants have mauled about forty-two people. In response, the neighbourhood population has killed at least twelve elephants through electrocution, and these are just the reported incidents.

Considering the gravity of the situation, the relevant authorities have launched Project Elephant. Under Project Elephant, the government is planning to construct a special elephant-corridor between the sanctuary and Sri Venkateswara National Park to avoid confrontations between the animal and human residents of the area. Sri Venkateswara National Park was specifically chosen for this project as it contains the Kalyani Dam of Chambal Valley, which promises to be a very habitable region for the elephant population to prosper without any human threat.

Things to do Around Koundinya wildlife sanctuary

Most of the tourist activities here focus on the biggest attraction of the sanctuary: Elephants. Multiple Jeep Safaris are planned throughout the day, and there is even an option of elephant-safaris. Looking for elephants while you are riding one, imagine that!

The jeep safaris can provide a thrilling and enriching experience of witnessing elephant lives at a close quarter.

Among the other attractions of the sanctuary is visiting the magnificent golden temple of Sripuram as well as the famous Jalakandeswarar temple. In addition, you can visit the eerie Antharagange caves, or hike through the Horsley Hills, Swamimalai Hills or the Tada falls which make for a splendid picnic location.

The visiting times here change according to the season. In the summer season, you can explore the sanctuary from 7’oclock in the morning to 5 in the evening. During the winters, the gates might be closed a little early in the evening.

Weather

The weather of this region does not vary much and is quite pleasant throughout the year. Travelling should not be an issue as far as the climatic factors are considered.

Right Time to Visit

The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors usually throughout the year. But, it is recommended to plan a trip here during the period between October to April. The climate is delightful during the winters starting in October and continues to be so till the end of spring in April. During this period, animals are much easier to spot as they are moving around on open plains rather than escaping the sun inside caves and dense forest-covers, thanks to low temperature and overall mild climate.

How to Reach & Distance from Major Nearby Cities

The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is very well situated as it is easily accessible from the major cities of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka as well as Tamil Nadu. While Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh is the closest city, the nearest airport is in Bangalore in Karnataka.

If travelling by road, then the city of Chittoor provides decent road-network at just seventy kilometres. For those flying in from other states, you can easily take a flight to Bangalore and then drive to Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which is about 190 kilometres by road. There is an alternative option of taking public mode of transportation through the state buses. Palamaner Or Palamaner bus station of Andhra Pradesh is the nearest bus stop to the sanctuary, at a distance of sixty-five kilometres.

If you are interested in wildlife sanctuaries, check out our other stories on wildlife and other outdoor events on our website.

FAQs –

· Where can I get decent accommodation near the sanctuary?

There are forest guest houses located in Palamaner, Madanapalli & Horsley Hills near the sanctuary that can provide decent accommodation at a reasonable price. Check availability in advance.

· What district is Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary located in?

Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.

· How can I contact the authorities of the Kaundinya bird sanctuary?

Contact information of The Divisional Forest Officer, Chittoor - 08572 – 232458(Phone) and Forest Range Officer, Palamaner - 08579 – 251027(Phone)

· How much is the entry fee?

Any of the above authorities can be contacted for the current entry fee of the sanctuary.

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

by Avathi Outdoors | Wildlife Sanctuary

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