Mahavir
Harina Vanasthali National Park
Information:
The park
is located in Vanasthalipuram, on the outskirts of Hyderabad city at
a distance of about 15-km on the Hyderabad- Vijayawada road. Once the
Nizam's (former Hyderabadi rulers) hunting grounds, it is now home to
the beautiful black bucks with their spiral horns along with several
species of birds. The park named after the renowned Jain saint 'Lord
Mahavira' was established in 1975, in commemoration of his 2500th birth
anniversary. The park looks picturesque in the monsoon with the golden
and white flowers of these trees on the lush green carpet of grass.
FAUNA:
The main species of fauna found here is the endangered Black Buck, the
state animal of Andhra Pradesh. 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.
Main
Attraction: Black - Bucks.
Best
Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
Transport
Information: Nearest railway station is at Hyderabad. Nearest airport
is Hyderabad. Mahavira Harina Vanasthali is located in the outskirts
of Hyderabad on Hyderabad - Vijayawada road. The park is easily approachable
by road from Hyderabad city
