Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park also known as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Park is located in the suburbs of Hyderabad city in Telangana. This park had got its name after Lord Mahavir a Jain saint and it is located in the Vanasthalipuram region located in the Vanasthalipuram region located at a distance of 15km away from the main city.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
In olden days these lands belonged to Nizam kings of Hyderabad, who used to conduct hunting expeditions in the region. However after independence they were taken under control by Indian government and reserved this area for the protection of Deers and Black Bucks.
It earned the tag of National Park in 1994. This park houses the most endangered animal in “the region i.e. Black Buck, which is also a state animal for Andhra Pradesh. Therefore special attention is paid for the protection and preservation of Black Bucks from getting extinct. Deers are also abundant in number in this park and they are locally referred to as Krishna Jinka. This park stretches across a vast area of 14.59 km2.
Safari at Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
The park officials are offering safari services in the park in order to view animals from a closer distance in their natural habitat. Tourists will be taken on a bus or jeep for safari ride. Bus ride will be throughout the entire park region. There will be few stops and visitors can step down and take pictures of the animals. Safari in this park will be truly a pleasant experience which offers a choice for us to explore the nature’s beauty from close range. Tourists can either view animals in sheds or they can climb watch towers to have an eagle’s eye view aver the animals.
There were many watch towers located inside the park. There is also a butterfly garden located inside the park, a large number of butterflies can be seen with many delightful colors. If you are looking to capture a butterfly in your camera, then this place is the best choice. Apart from Safari ride, forest officials were also providing environmental education at exhibition hall. A few hours class will provide a deep insight into the conditions that are prevailing in environment and what are the measures that we need to adopt Inorder to minimize the negative consequences of human activities etc. This education services are provided by GOOD NATURE LIBRARY.
Geography of Mahavir Vanasthali National Park
There isn’t much diversity in this park when compared to other National park. Since most of the park is located at a same altitudinal range. One can find the vegetation ranging from dry deciduous to grasslands. At few places one can find scrub land and rocky landscapes. The park will be splendid covered in many bright and delightful flowers.
Dominant Flora
Mahavir Vanasthali National Park had many exotic plants. All of them were set in picturesque with lush green fields around them particularly in the months of monsoon season. The dominant flora in the park includes- Palas, Teak, Bauhinias, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Almattas, Neem, Terminalias, Ber, Accacias, Buteas and Albizzias etc.
Dominant Fauna
This park shelters many wild species. The most prominent among them was Black buck. Black Buck being state animal of Andhra Pradesh, special care and attention was paid for its protection. Besides it there are other animals in the park like Panther, Cheetal, Porcupine, Monitor Lizard, Quails, Mongooses, Egrets and Wild Boar.
Avi-Fauna- This Park houses many native and Migratory birds. It is a paradise for bird watchers. The birds which can be spotted in this park include- Kingfisher, Cormorants, Indian Pond Herons, Short-toed Eagles, Doves, Kites, Peacock and Vultures.
Nearby Attractions
There are several tourist attractions located nearer to this park. The most prominent one was Ramoji Film city. IT is a theme park and takes one complete day to tour the entire park. The entry fee costs around 5,000 INR. Wonderla is a water park located nearer to this park.
The other attraction was Sanghi temple located at a distance of 15km away from this park.
How To Reach
By Air– Samshabad Airport is the nearest airport located at a distance of 25 km away from the park.
By Rail– Secunderabad Railway station is the nearest Railway station. From here you can reach park by a private cab or government operated bus.
By Road– This Park is well connected to major towns in the region through road network. A good number of government and private travels are present in the region which will take you to the National Park.
Accomodation
There are huge numbers of lodging facilities available nearer to the park. Lahari Resorts, Anitha Resorts or Swathi Grand is the most preferable options by tourists.
Best Time to Visit the Park
The period between July to October is the best time to visit this park.
Entry Fee
For Adults- 20Rs
For Children – 15 Rs.
Timings
The park will open from 9 A.M to 6 P.M on all days of the week except on Monday.
