Introduction
Steeped in history, blessed by nature and alive with hundreds of forest denizens is the 'Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary’, and the largest Tiger reserve in India popularly called as “Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam Tiger reserve’. The sanctuary situated in the Nallamalais, is a derivative of the Southern Eastern Ghats. The river Krishna forces it's way across the Nallamalais over 270 kms by a deep and narrow gorge with varying widths on either side. The sight of the wooded slopes of the hills rising from the dark waters of the river is mind-refreshing and captivating.
History
Bifurcating the sanctuary into two halves, the river Krishna flows through the Srisailam plateau to the north where it is called 'Uttaravahini'. The famous and ancient temples of Lord Mallikarjuna and his consort Goddess Bhramaramba are places of worship from times immortal. Strings of many fresh water tanks have been constructed during Kakatiya and Vijayanagar dynasties.
Uniqueness
Largest tiger reserve in India spreading over 3727.50 Sq. Km
lt consists of core area of 2444.14 Sq. Kms., buffer area of 1283.36 Sq.Kms., and 1193.68 Sq. Kms. of GBM Wildlife Sanctuary as extended core area
Also an Important Bird Area (IBA) falling under the criteria: A1, A2 as per the guidelines given by Bird life International.
Indicator Species
Tiger
Rainfall
South West Monsoon 900 —1000 mm
Forest Type
Southern dry mixed deciduous forest, southern tropical moist deciduous forest intermingled with scrub, bamboo and grass.
Temperature
Max: 45°C: Min: 8°C
Flora
The amazing and rich floral diversity encompasses species of butterflies, over 50 species of moths, and scores of medicinal plants and also several rare and endangered species. Trees like Tectona grandis, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia bellerica, Chloroxylon swietenia, Boswellia serrata, etc. aaform a major composition of the forest. Huge and old trees of Ficus religiosa concentrate in places like Chintala, Pullaipally, etc.
Fauna
The diverse fauna of Nallamalais makes it a researcher's paradise.
Mammals like Leopard, Indian wolf, Wild dog, Jackal, Striped Hyena, Spotted deer, Sambar, Barking deer, Chinkara, Chowsingha, Nilgai, honey badger, etc. also share this tiger domain.
The forest comes alive with about 200 species of birds like wood sand piper, Temmink's stilt, lesser golden backed woodpecker, grey hornbill, Brown fish owl, Wigeon, vultures, etc.
The invertebrate life is enthralling with over 100 species of butterflies, over 50 species of moths, and other insects A few species of invertebrates like whip scorpion, tarantula spider, etc; have been newly discovered here.
Must Visits:
Farhabad view point, Mallela teertham, Lodhi mallaiah, Octopus view point, Puli cheruvu, Pedda cheruvu, Neeliganga, Ethipotla, Krishna river, etc.When to Visit:
October to June| CONTACT: |
| Field Director, Project Tiger,Nandyal, Nandyal District, Ph: 8121164953; Cell : 94408 10057 |
District Forest Officer,Nandyal, Phone: 08514-242463; Cell : 94408 10074 |
Dy.Director,Project Tiger,Atmakur, Phone: 08517-283337, Cell : 94408 10058. |
Dy.Director ,Project Tiger,Giddalur, Phone: 08405-242084; Cell : 94408 10062. |
Dy.Director ,Project Tiger,Markapur Phone: 08596-222082; Cell : 94408 10059 |