Nallamala Forests: A Treasure Trove of Nature and Wildlife Tourism

 Kurnool: The Nallamala forests, spread across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, are a great place for ecotourism. With thick forests, rivers, and hills, this region is ideal for people who love nature, wildlife, and culture. Families and children often visit during holidays and weekends to enjoy the peaceful environment and learn new things.

At the heart of this ecotourism initiative is the Ecological Knowledge Park, spread across eight hectares near the Sunnipenta Biodiversity Centre. Featuring 53 educational models, the park introduces visitors to Earth’s evolutionary journey and environmental changes through time. Complementing this is the Biodiversity Research Centre, established on December 8, 2001, at the Srisailam Project Colony. It showcases the Nallamala ecosystem through an impressive display of 303 mammal species, 80 snake species, 102 butterfly species, 55 fish species, 25 amphibians, 18 frogs, 54 reptiles, 57 moths, and 77 insect species. Interestingly, a rare spider species once native to the area has also been preserved with a dedicated habitat.

Medicinal flora is another major highlight of Nallamala. Over 353 medicinal plant species have been identified and documented at the Sunnipenta Biodiversity Centre. The Herbal Conservation Centre, located along the Rollapenta–Pechcheruvugudem road, houses 70–80 of these species in a single site, providing a unique insight into traditional healing practices and plant-based knowledge.

Further, one of the most captivating features of Nallamala is the Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, also known as the Rajiv Gandhi Tiger Reserve—the largest tiger reserve in India. As per the 2024 wildlife census, the reserve is home to at least 87 tigers. Jungle safaris organised in the reserve offer thrilling opportunities for visitors to spot these majestic animals, especially during summer months.

The picturesque Krishna River, which runs for 1,400 kilometres, flows through this forest region for nearly 90 miles. The Byrani Hills, rising to 1,106 metres above sea level, add to the scenic charm of the area. Tourists can also visit ancient temples nestled deep in the forest, adding a spiritual dimension to their journey.

For accommodation, jungle camps offer a comfortable and adventurous stay. Tourists can book their visits online at nstr.co.in. Facilities include 4 cottages and 6 tents at Bairluty and 4 cottages and 2 tents at Pacherla. The cost for a one-day stay is Rs 7,000, while safari rides cost Rs 3,000 per vehicle. Transport for sightseeing and food facilities are available at the camps.

Adding cultural depth to the trip is the Tribal Museum in Srisailam, which showcases the lifestyle of the Chenchu tribe. Life-size dolls and dioramas depict their traditional way of living, tracing their journey from early human civilisation to the present day. With its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and engaging educational resources, Nallamala offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience that blends adventure, knowledge, and serenity in the lap of nature.

A senior official from Nandyal said that a central government official recently visited Srisailam and held discussions on boosting tourism development in the region. During the visit, the official met with the district administration to explore opportunities for improving tourist facilities.

As part of this initiative, the District Collector identified around 110 acres of land at Sunnipenta. Of this, 50 acres have been earmarked for the tourism department to develop infrastructure for accommodation, entertainment, and other amenities for visitors. These developments will be carried out with financial support from both the Central and state governments, aiming to enhance the overall tourism experience in Srisailam and attract more visitors to the area.