Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, India, is essentially an elephant reserve. The unique aspect of this popular tourist attraction in Andhra Pradesh is that it is currently the only elephant reserve present in the state with a population of Asian elephants. However, these majestic animals are not native to the region as they have migrated from nearby locations.  According to the official records, about 39 elephants first reached this region in Andhra Pradesh, between 1983 to 1986, from the nearby forests of Bannerghatta in Karnataka and Anekal-Hosur in Tamil Nadu in search of an alternative habitat. Upon realising the significance of this move in a state that previously had no elephants, the government took the initiative and established the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in December 1990. The vast region, covered by lush greenery, is now home to over 78 elephants alongside a distinct flora and fauna. 

It attracts thousands of local and international visitors throughout the year who come to witness the region’s vibrant beauty and unique wildlife. This sanctuary is also a great place for a variety of fun activities and adventures, including elephant safaris, jungle safaris, wildlife photography, bird watching, picnics, etc. 

Location

Surrounded by dense green forests, deep valleys and high hills, the Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, India. In terms of nearby landmarks, it is about 55 kilometres from Palamaner, 70 kilometres from Chittoor City, 100 kilometres from Madanapalle, and 135 kilometres from the famous Horsley Hills. Tourists often visit Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary directly from Tirupati, a major city in Andhra Pradesh, which is just 137 kilometres from the sanctuary.

Language spoken in koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

The famous Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence the primary language used in the region by locals is Telugu. Apart from that, tourists can use Urdu, Tamil, English and a bit of Hindi during their visit to the sanctuary to chat with the locals, sanctuary operators and guides. However, it is recommended to hire a local guide when visiting Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary for a smooth sightseeing experience. 

Known for?

There are multiple factors that make the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary a famous tourist place in Andhra Pradesh. They are:

• Asian elephants- The most iconic part of the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is its massive population of elephants from Asia. About 39 of these beautiful creatures migrated from nearby forests in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka between 1983 to 1986 and settled in the Koundinya region. As of now, their population has reached about 78 in total, adding a unique charm to the region’s flora and fauna.
• Jungle safaris and other activities- Elephant safaris, bird watching, and jungle safaris are some of the most fun activities offered at the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. These are some of the main attractions in the region, perfect for nature and wildlife lovers. These activities also present perfect opportunities for individuals interested in wildlife photography.
• Beautiful landscapes- Apart from the wildlife, the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its spellbinding scenic landscapes. Covered with dense forests, small hills, waterfalls, deep ravines and gushing waters of Kaigal and Koundinya tributaries, the region makes for an ideal weekend getaway within the state.
• Other attractions- The sanctuary is quite famous for its nearby attractions, such as the Kaigal Waterfalls and the Naniyala Elephant Camp. The Kalyana Revu Waterfall is also one of the best places to visit in Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. There are nearby Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary stay options that have made good quality food and lodging a reality. 

Type of place

As the name suggests, the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh is a wildlife sanctuary established by the government in the year 1990. It is mainly an elephant reserve, housing an impressive number of Asian elephants which have shifted to the area from neighbouring states after 200 years. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the state, thanks to its serene atmosphere, natural beauty and scenic landscapes. The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is also a great place in Andhra Pradesh where tourists can partake in exciting activities like jungle safaris and wildlife photography. Apart from these, the sanctuary is also a popular family picnic spot in the region.

How to get to koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary? 

The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is quite accessible from various cities in Andhra Pradesh and is also in close proximity to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Here are some transport options that tourists can consider to get to the sanctuary:

By air

The nearest airport to Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the Tirupati Airport, just 18 kilometres from Tirupati city centre. It is a domestic airport featuring frequent flights from leading airlines like Air India, Air Costa, Spice Jet, etc. It connects the region to other major cities in India, including Vijayawada, Vizag, Hyderabad and New Delhi. After landing at the airport, tourists can cover the remaining 150 kilometres route to Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in a cab or rental car. 

By rail

Individuals planning their Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary trip via train will need to reach the Chittoor Railway Station first. It is the nearest railhead to the sanctuary, administered by the Guntakal Railway Division of the South Coast Railway Zone. It is served by frequent, long-distance trains such as Kerala Express, Sabari Express, Himsagar Express, etc., that connects it to other major Indian cities. Once at Chittoor Railway Station, individuals can hire a taxi and cover the rest of the distance to reach Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, which is nearly a 2-hour drive.

By road

In terms of road connectivity, Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary has a well-established network that connects it to the prominent cities in Andhra Pradesh. The nearest bus station to the sanctuary is in Palamaner, which is about 55 kilometres away and features frequent state-run buses. Otherwise, individuals travelling to koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary from Chittoor can cover the route in a rental car or taxi in just a couple of hours. 

Interesting facts about Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

The koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is often a standard inclusion of the Andhra Pradesh tour package due to its natural flair and distinct flora and fauna. Here are some interesting facts about the sanctuary that individuals should know about:

• The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the only sanctuary to house a decent population of Asian elephants in all of Andhra Pradesh.
• The Asian elephants in Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary are not native to the region and have migrated from the nearby forests of the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• The arrival of these incredible Asian elephants in large numbers led to the government establishing the koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary in 1990 with the aim of protecting the same.
• The sanctuary spreads over a vast area and is covered by thorn and southern tropical dry deciduous forests. In terms of flora, individuals can find Ficus, bamboo, Acacia, Albizia amara, Lagerstroemia, etc., in the region. 
• Besides a large population of Asian elephants, other prominent wildlife found in the sanctuary area includes yellow-throated bulbul, cheetal, sloth bear, porcupine, jungle cat, slender loris, jungle fowl, starred tortoise, etc.
• Despite being a government-administered wildlife sanctuary, koundinya faces a variety of threats and conservation issues in the form of over-gazing, man-animal conflict, unlawful cutting down of wood, etc. 
• Under Project Elephant, the government is working on creating a corridor for elephants between Sri Venkateswara National Park and koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. It is believed that this corridor will help avoid confrontations between the locals and the animals in the region.

Why koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is recommended?

The unique biodiversity is the main reason why Kaundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is recommended to tourists. Individuals can find an extensive range of flora and fauna in the region, which is a massive point of interest for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. In addition, it is the only place in Andhra Pradesh where tourists can witness the remarkable Asian elephants in their natural habitat. The jungle safaris and the scope for wildlife photography are the two other things that make the sanctuary a desirable tourist attraction in the state. 

Individuals who are looking for a digital detox can spend some time at this sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. It is filled with beautiful panoramic landscapes, small ponds, gushing tributaries, waterfalls, etc., which adds to its natural charm. In addition, popular tourist attractions, like Kalyana Revu Waterfalls, Kaigal Waterfalls and Naniyala Elephant Camp, are some of the best places to visit in koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. 

If individuals are looking for good quality, nearby Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary resort or hotel, they can consider Prabha Grand Inn, Hotel Sindhu Towers and Bans the Hotel. Besides these, the forest guest houses in Palamaner are also viable options for a comfortable, nearby Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary stay. Even though individuals can visit the sanctuary any time of the year, the period between October and April is usually considered the best due to the delightful weather. 

Operating hours

One of Andhra Pradesh’s most popular tourist attractions, the koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, is perfect for a visit around the year. The official operating hours of the sanctuary are from 7 AM to 5 PM during both Summer and Winter. However, it is always advised to contact the authorities and confirm the timing before planning a visit to the sanctuary. 

Chart for Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary