Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary Kadapa | Jerdon’s Courser, Temple & Travel

Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary – The Pride of Rayalaseema’s Wilderness

Nestled in the rugged landscape of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique biodiversity hotspot famous as the only known habitat of the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus). Spread across 464 square kilometers, this dry deciduous sanctuary is a blend of rocky hills, scrub forests, seasonal streams, and limestone caves — creating a rare ecosystem that supports both flora and fauna adapted to arid conditions.

 

Established in 1988, the sanctuary is named after the Sri Lankamalleswara Swamy Temple, nestled amidst the serene hills, adding spiritual charm to its wild surroundings. 

Highlights

•  Only known habitat of the rare Jerdon’s Courser, rediscovered here after 86 years

•  Home to sloth bears, leopards, spotted deer, and peafowls

•  Picturesque limestone hills, scrub jungles, and open woodlands

•  Houses the ancient Lankamalleswara Swamy Temple

•  Ideal for eco-tourism, birdwatching, and spiritual visits

Flora & Fauna

Flora

The sanctuary’s dry tropical climate sustains vegetation typical of Southern Deccan Plateau scrub forests, including:

• Anogeissus latifolia (Axlewood)

• Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense)

• Terminalia, Albizia, and Acacia species

• Lantana shrubs and wild grasses covering rocky terrains

Fauna

Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a sanctuary for both common and rare species:

Major Mammals:

• Leopard, sloth bear, chital, blackbuck, four-horned antelope, wild boar, and Indian hare

Birdlife:

• Critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser

• Peafowl, partridges, quails, drongos, bulbuls, and warblers

Reptiles:

• Monitor lizards, vipers, and star tortoises

 The early morning hours are perfect for spotting deer herds and vibrant bird activity near the forest edges.

Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	Experience
Winter	October – February	Cool, pleasant weather for safaris and temple visits
Summer	March – June	Hot, dry, fewer sightings
Monsoon	July – September	Green landscapes and water streams

How to Reach

• By Air: Nearest airport – Tirupati Airport (160 km)

• By Rail: Kadapa Railway Station (15 km) – well-connected to major cities

• By Road: Kadapa is connected by road to Tirupati, Kurnool, and Bengaluru; the sanctuary is around 15 km from Kadapa town

 Local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for easy access to the sanctuary and temple area.

Accommodation & Facilities

• Forest Rest House, Kadapa: Managed by Andhra Pradesh Forest Department

• Private Hotels & Lodges: Available in Kadapa town

• Eco-Cottages & Homestays: Near sanctuary outskirts for a rustic experience

 Prior booking is recommended, especially during winter and temple festivals.

Nearby Attractions

• Sri Lankamalleswara Swamy Temple: Ancient hill temple from which the sanctuary derives its name

• Gandikota Fort (90 km): Known as the “Grand Canyon of India,” with stunning gorge views of the Penna River

• Belum Caves (130 km): One of the longest natural cave systems in India

• Vontimitta Temple (30 km): A historic shrine dedicated to Lord Rama

• Brahmamgari Matham (70 km): Spiritual retreat associated with Sri Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy

Conservation Importance

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988, Sri Lankamalleswara plays a crucial role in conserving the unique arid ecosystem of Rayalaseema. It is globally recognized for protecting the Jerdon’s Courser, once thought extinct.

The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, in collaboration with conservation organizations, has initiated:

• Habitat restoration for ground-nesting birds

• Community involvement programs promoting eco-tourism

• Wildlife monitoring and research on rare species

 The sanctuary’s conservation success story stands as a beacon for India’s biodiversity protection efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary famous?
It is famous as the only known home of the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser, a nocturnal bird species.

2. When was the sanctuary established?
It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988.

3. What animals are found here?
You can spot leopards, sloth bears, deer, peafowls, blackbucks, and several bird species.

4. Is there a temple inside the sanctuary?
Yes, the Sri Lankamalleswara Swamy Temple is located within the sanctuary.

5. How far is it from Kadapa?
The sanctuary is just 15 km from Kadapa town.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Q: What is the best time to visit Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary?
A: Between November and February, when weather is pleasant and wildlife is active.

Q: Which rare bird is found only in this sanctuary?
A: The Jerdon’s Courser is found exclusively in this region.

Q: Can visitors go on safaris?
A: Yes, limited guided forest trails and birdwatching walks are organized by the Forest Department.

Q: Is accommodation available near the sanctuary?
A: Yes, options include forest rest houses and hotels in Kadapa.

Conclusion

The Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity and a symbol of India’s conservation success. Its rugged beauty, sacred temple, and rare birdlife make it a unique destination for both nature lovers and spiritual travelers.