Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary – An Elephant Reserve With Soothing Waterfalls

Once a land with no elephants, Andhra Pradesh flourishes with hundreds of elephants settled within its boundaries today. It is one of the few states which have shown less interest towards reserving the lands for the protection of endangered species of plants and animals in the past.However, over a period of time, it has started understanding the need of nature and wildlife. Hence, today, it is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries, which are nurturing hundreds of species of plants and animals. One amongst these beautiful sanctuaries is Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, an ideal location to the spot the best of natural beauties in the form of animals and vegetation.If you are looking to spend your summer weekends amid freshness, then Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is the place where you should be this season. Read on to know more about this wondrous expansion of nature. PC- VinayarajEven though summers are hot around the region of Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, it somehow manages to keep the environment cool and pleasant within its boundaries. Hence, you can find the atmosphere of Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary calm and favourable throughout the year. However, if you desire to avoid its summer, then the best to visit is from October until the end of March. Located near the city of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is popular amongst tourists for its population of Asian elephants, which have been living here for decades. It was established in 1990, when the government of the state witnessed a huge increment in the numbers of elephants in the state, which was once a region with no elephants.Spread over an area of 357 square kilometres, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is characterised by sky-high hills, beautiful grasslands, dense forests and Asian elephants today. Hence, it has become a quintessential weekend destination for the locals and the photographers in the region. Patched with ponds and striped with the tributaries of Palar river, Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary enjoys a relaxing environment and peaceful atmosphere on account of its unblemished beauty. PC- Vfuller09Apart from savouring wildlife safari, you can also explore its deep corners and visit mesmerising spots, which include Kalyan Revu Waterfall, Kaigal Falls, Palar river and a few other small temples located within its boundaries. Photography and lazing by its waterbodies are certain other things to carry out here. The presence of hills, rugged terrains and squashy meadows also attract several trekkers and campers, who come here to enjoy the beauty of nature away from the polluted city life. Wouldnt you love to spend your weekends at such an amazing place where you can be lost within the deep valleys of seclusion and calmness? On one hand, you can take a bath in the soothing waterfalls and on the other hands, you can treat your eyes with the vibrant wildlife. Apart from spotting Asian elephants, the major species found here include sloth bear, panther, chital, sambar, jungle cat and jackal.You can also witness the beauty of colourful species of plants and trees, such as Indian sandalwood, figs, crape myrtle, wattles and bamboo. So, what do you think of planning a trip to Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary now? Isnt it a place worth visiting where you have all the opportunities of making your weekends thrilling, exciting and memorable? By Air: The nearest airport from Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bangalore at a distance of about 160 km. It will take you an approximate time of 4 hours to reach your destination from the airport by a cab.By Rail: The major railhead from Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is in Vellore at a distance of about 65 km. From the station, you can hire a taxi to the sanctuary.By Road: With proper roads, the region in and around Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road.