Mahavir Harina National Park Andhra Pradesh

Location: Vanasthalipuram, 15 Kilometers from Hyderabad
Established in: 1975
Attractions: Endangered Black Bucks


The place where the park is located was once a private hunting ground for former rulers of Hyderabad - the Nizam. A deer park was set up in order to preserve this precious heritage and rehabilitate it.

Animals living in this national park include a few hundred blackbucks (the state animal of Andhra Pradesh), porcupines, water monitors, short-toed eagles, Indian pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and several other bird species

In Andhra Pradesh, Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is a popular destination amongst the lovers of wildlife. Situated in Vanasthalipuram, at a distance of 15 kmsfrom Hyderabad, the park was established in 1975 and named after 'Lord Mahavira', to commemorate the 2500th birth anniversary of the prodigy. Once the hunting ground of the 'Nizams', Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park was later developed into a full-fledged sanctuary by the Government of India.

During monsoons, Vanasthali National Park appears mesmerizing with different colorful flowers blooming all around. The endangered Black Buck deer is found here in plenty. In fact, the park has estimated 400 deer in its expanse. Apart from the Black Bucks, there are many other species of animals here, including Cheetahs, Wild Boar, Monitor Lizards, Mongooses and Porcupines. Regarding avifauna, there are different varieties of Partridges, Quails, Peacocks, Doves, Pond Herons, Egrets, Kites, Vultures, Eagle, Kingfishers and Cormorants.

More than 80 species of migratory birds can be seen here. Another rare variety amongst birds is the Short-toed Eagle. If you are really interested in seeing the fauna from near, you can tour the park in the vans provided by the authorities. The vegetation of the park is rich with flora like Neem, Butea, Bauhinias Accacias and many thorny shrubs. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park also houses an exhibition hall, where different items of the wild life conversation are displayed.

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