Sanctuaries in Visakhapatnam

Who does not like to sit quietly and enjoy the enchanting sounds of nature? If you living in Vizag or have come here for a visit, this is the ideal time for you to make a quick trip to the sanctuaries in Visakhapatnam! Ready for bird watching? (the literal meaning please!) Tune in to nature and the green magical cover of Palmyra trees all around, the pleasant breeze delighting you every moment with birds singing for you. Let it be an outing just for experiencing the beauty of flora, fauna and wildlife.

Visakhapatnam (also called Vizag) has a number of such captivating destinations. Go a little further and you can tour many more ancient yet interesting destinations! Let us first visit the two sanctuaries in Vizag - Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary and Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Do carry water, eatables and food and camera with you as these sanctuaries are located in rural areas where many amenities may not be available. Start early in the morning and return well before evening as these tourist spots are not much crowded and there are no hotels nearby. However, it will be a worthwhile visit - with your own cheerful humming and natural beauty all around you!

Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary

The Kondakarla Bird Ava (Ava means Sanctuary in Telugu language) is about 50 kms. from Vizag (towards the South). The natural lake in the sanctuary is home to diverse varieties of birds, adding colour to the tourist spot. You will love to capture photographs of lively birds in your camera and even go for boating. Wait! This is not the usual boat you might be thinking about. This is a boat made by local fishermen or villagers joining two wooden planks! Well, a different experience indeed! There are no fixed rates. (Approx. INR 300 for an hour of boating). If you reach the other side of the lake, you can offer prayers in the Lord Venkateswara temple.

If you wish, you can also visit the Buddhist site at Bojjanna Konda (near Sankaram village).The best time to visit Kondakarla Bird sanctuary is during winters. The villagers are simple and nice people. Some rare migratory birds can also be seen around the lake. However, the spot is not always crowded. You can collect lotus flowers while enjoying your boat ride! Imbibe the serenity that you see and feel all around and you will not want to go back to your old 'Angry Birds' games again!



Address:
Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
Kondakarla Village, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India

How to reach Kondakarla

Drive down towards Anakapalle (40 Kms. towards South of Vizag on NH-5). Turn left towards Atchutapuram on Haripalem Road. After about 6 Kms., you will come across Kondakarla village road. The lake is 2 kms. from here.

Accommodation in Kondakarla

Being a simple village, you will not find any place to stay back here. So, it will be a good idea to visit the lake well in the morning and leave the place before evening and reach either Anakapalle which is half an distance from here or Vizag which is 2 hours distance.

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, named after a hillock Kambalakonda,  is located near Vizag and is being administered by Andhra Pradesh Forest Department since 1970.

Be prepared to witness a real leopard here! The sanctuary (Ava in Telugu) is spread across 70 square kilometres near Vizag (20 Kms.) in Vizianagaram district. The dry evergreen forests give it a green hue amidst diverse flora and fauna.

Flora includes beautiful flowers dancing along with the cool breeze all around. Fauna in the sanctuary comprises of Russell's Viper, Indian Cobra, Chameleon, Asian Paradise-flycatcher, Leopard, quails, Indian Pangolin, Chital, Jackal etc. A real treat indeed!

You can go camping and trekking (not during rainy season as routes are submerged in water and closed) or just sit quietly and watch lovely birds playing and singing in nature. Click a few pictures or go hiking. 

Well, you will surely enjoy your trip to these sanctuaries and for once thank yourself for taking pictures of rare birds - a good break from keeping company of  'Angry Birds' and also clicking something other than just changing your own profile picture!