Location : Vanasthalipuram, 15 km from
Hyderabad
Timing : 9.00 A.M. to 5.30 P.M.
Open : Every day (Except Monday)
Best time to visit : Throughout the year
Main Attraction : Black - Bucks.
The park is located at Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of 15 km from
the city. Initially the area was under the Nizam and later named
after the renowned Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira' was established as a
national park in 1975, in commemoration of his 2500th birth
anniversary.
The main species of fauna found here is the endangered Black Buck,
which once inhabited the grasslands and plains throughout India.
Their main predator was the now extinct cheetah. Their glossy white
dotted bodies, ranging from dark brown to black, accentuated by a
white underbelly, their large lustrous eyes and mouth surrounded by
white, are a study in contrast. There are over 400 black bucks
(Amtelope Cervicapara), about 500 Cheetals and large herds of wild
boar. Common animals seen here are monitor lizards, mongooses,
porcupines besides a variety of snakes. Several species of birds
like Partridges, Quails, peacocks, Doves, pond herons, egrets,
kingfishers, cormorants and birds of prey like kites, vultures etc.
are found here. A variety of migratory birds of over 80 species can
also be seen round the year. Short-toed Eagle is another rare
species nesting in this area.
There are sheds for rest and observation towers for viewing the
animals. A van is provided to take the visitors inside the park to
see the animals from close quarters. The safari rides are between
9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Rates of admission into Vanasthali in
departmental van or mini bus are Rs.5/- per adult and Rs.3.00 per
child. There is an exhibition hall displaying exhibits explaining
intricate problems of wildlife conservation.
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