About
The Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) is one of India’s largest and most significant tiger reserves in India, located in the Nallamala hill ranges of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Locations covered:
Andhra Pradesh: Prakasam, Kurnool, Guntur
Telangana: Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar
Area: ~3,728 sq km (largest tiger reserve in India).
Established: 1983 as a wildlife sanctuary, declared a tiger reserve in 1984.
Key Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaurs, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boars, and over 150 bird species.
Rivers: Krishna River is the major water source, with tributaries like Dindi, Peddavagu, and others.
Reservoirs: Includes the Nagarjunasagar Dam and Srisailam Dam, key for irrigation and power generation.
Safari Zones in NSTR
The reserve has multiple entry points and safari zones. The main ones are:
A. Srisailam (Mallapur) Zone (Andhra Pradesh)
Entry Point: Near Srisailam Dam.
Safari Types:
Jeep Safari (Best for tiger sightings)
Boat Safari (Along Krishna River for aquatic birds & crocodiles)
Best Time: Early morning (6 AM – 9 AM) or evening (3 PM – 6 PM).
B. Farahabad Zone (Telangana Side)
Entry Point: Farahabad, near Achampet.
Safari Type: Jeep Safari (Dense forest area, good for predators).
Highlights: Chenchu tribal huts, scenic viewpoints.
C. Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary (Near NSTR, AP)
Specialty: Great Indian Bustard habitat (rare bird sightings).
Safari Booking Details
How to Book?
Online: https://nstr.co.in/booking/
Offline: At the respective forest office near entry gates.
Safari Timings & Cost
Safari Type Approx. Cost (Per Person) Duration Jeep Safari (AP Side) ₹800-₹1,500 (for entire jeep) 2-3 hours Jeep Safari (Telangana Side) ₹600-₹1,200 (for entire jeep) 2-3 hours Boat Safari ₹300-₹500 per person 1-2 hours
Note: Prices may vary; foreign nationals may have higher fees.
Accommodation
Inside the Reserve
AP Tourism Jungle Lodges (Srisailam) – Premium stay with guided tours.
Farahabad Guest House (Telangana side) – Budget-friendly forest rest house.
Nearby Towns
Srisailam: Srisailam Haritha Resort
Nagarjunasagar:
For Bookings, Call Us on +91 – 9110583839
For more details visit NSTR Official Website
FAQ
How to Reach Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve?
By Air:
Nearest Airport (AP Side): Vijayawada Airport (~190 km from Srisailam).
Nearest Airport (Telangana Side): Hyderabad Airport (~220 km from Farahabad).
By Train:
Nearest Railway Station (AP Side): Markapur Road (~85 km from Srisailam).
Nearest Railway Station (Telangana Side): Mahabubnagar (~120 km from Farahabad).
By Road:
Well-connected via NH44 and state highways.
From Hyderabad: ~4-5 hours drive to Farahabad.
From Vijayawada: ~5-6 hours drive to Srisailam.
What Wildlife Can Be Spotted?
Big Cats: Tigers, leopards
Herbivores: Indian gaur, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar
Birds: Crested serpent eagle, peafowl, grey junglefowl
Reptiles: Marsh crocodiles, Indian rock python
Rare Species: Sloth bear, pangolin, hyena
What Is the Best Time to Visit?
October – March: Ideal (pleasant weather, good sightings).
April – June: Very hot but better for predator sightings near waterholes.
July – September: Monsoon (some zones may close; lush greenery but fewer sightings).
Are There Any Restrictions?
No plastic (strictly enforced).
No smoking or loud noises.
Stay inside the safari vehicle at all times.
Drones prohibited without permission.
What Should I Carry for the Safari?
✔ Valid ID proof (for permit verification).
✔ Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors).
✔ Binoculars & camera (with zoom lens).
✔ Water bottle.
✔ Light snacks (no littering allowed).Are Guides Provided?
Yes, trained forest guides accompany every safari jeep. They help track animals and share insights about flora & fauna.
Nearby Places to Visit
Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple – One of the twelve Jyotirlingas, a highly revered Shiva temple.
Nagarjunasagar Dam – One of India’s largest dams.
Ethipothala Falls – Scenic waterfall.
Undavalli Caves – Ancient rock-cut caves.
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