Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park

The erstwhile hunting grounds of Nizams, the rulers of Hyderabad, this national park is at presnt home to various animals including various species of birds, reptiles and animals including the state animal of Andhra Pradesh , the black bucks famous for their spiral horns. The park is located in Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of about 15-km on the Hyderabad- Vijayawada road. A variety of migratory birds also make a stiopover in the park during the winter months. The park is named after the famous Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira' and is maintained by the Forest Department. Spreading over an area of 3,758 acres, this park is also the largest green lung space in the city of Hyderabad. 189 hectares of diverse landscape including grasslands dotted with acacia trees. The visitors can make use of the rest sheds & surveillance towers to spot the animals. Enjoy a van ride within the park to view the animals from close. The park conducts safari trips every day between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm apart from guided tours, which enable the tourists to know more about this national park an its wild life. The butterfly garden in this park is another must see spot to see a variety of brightly coloured butterflies The forest Department also undertakes audio-visual teaching on environment & wildlife in its library. There is also an exhibition hall where various exhibits related to wild life are displayed.

October – February