Papikonda National Park is a scenic protected forest area located in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh along the Godavari River. Famous for its lush green hills, dense tropical forests, river cruises, and rich wildlife, the park is one of South India’s important biodiversity hotspots. It was originally declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and upgraded to a national park in 2008.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Papikonda National Park |
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Districts | Eluru & Alluri Sitharama Raju Districts |
| Region | Eastern Ghats |
| Established | 1978 (Wildlife Sanctuary), 2008 (National Park) |
| Total Area | 1,012.86 sq km |
| IUCN Category | Category II |
| Famous For | Papikondalu Hills, Godavari River Cruises, Wildlife |
| River Flowing Through Park | Godavari River |
| Altitude Range | Approx. 20–850 meters |
| Forest Type | Moist Deciduous & Dry Deciduous Forest |
| Biodiversity Status | Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) |
| Nearest Major City | Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry) |
| Nearest Town | Polavaram |
| Nearest Railway Station | Rajahmundry Railway Station |
| Nearest Airport | Rajahmundry Airport |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Monsoon Season | June to September |
| Summer Temperature | Up to 40°C |
| Winter Temperature | 15°C – 25°C |
| Main Attractions | Papikondalu Hills, Boat Safari, Forest Trekking |
| Safari Type | Boat Safari & Eco Tourism |
| Popular Activities | Wildlife Watching, Photography, Bird Watching, Trekking |
| Major Mammals | Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Sambar Deer |
| Reptiles Found | King Cobra, Golden Gecko |
| Famous Birds | Malabar Pied Hornbill, River Tern, Fish Eagle |
| Flora Species | Teak, Rosewood, Bamboo, Terminalia |
| Entry Fee | Approx. ₹50–₹100 |
| Boat Cruise Charges | ₹500–₹1500 Approx. |
| Camera Charges | Extra |
| Accommodation | Forest Guesthouses, Resorts, Hotels Nearby |
| Food Availability | Limited Inside Park |
| Parking Facility | Available |
| Guide Facility | Available |
| Mobile Network | Weak in Core Areas |
| Photography Allowed | Yes |
| Trekking Allowed | Limited Areas |
| Eco Tourism | Available |
| Coordinates | 17.6170° N, 81.4170° E |
| Official Booking | AP Tourism Boat Cruise Booking |
| Ideal Trip Duration | 1–2 Days |
| Famous Landscape | Papi Hills along Godavari River |
| Conservation Importance | Eastern Ghats Tiger Corridor |
| Threats | Forest Fires, Habitat Loss, Poaching |
Main Attractions
- Papikondalu Hills
- Godavari River Boat Cruise
- Dense Eastern Ghats Forests
- Tribal Villages
- Wildlife Viewing
- Bird Watching
- Scenic River Valleys
- Trekking Routes
Wildlife in Papikonda National Park
The park shelters a rich variety of wildlife and bird species including:
- Bengal Tiger
- Indian Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Indian Gaur
- Sambar Deer
- Spotted Deer
- Wild Boar
- Indian Giant Squirrel
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- King Cobra
- Golden Gecko
Facilities Available
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Boat Safari | Yes |
| Eco Tourism | Yes |
| Forest Guides | Available |
| Parking | Available |
| Photography | Allowed |
| Accommodation | Nearby Resorts & Guest Houses |
| Food Facilities | Limited |
| Washrooms | Available at tourist points |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Experience |
|---|---|
| October – March | Best weather and boating season |
| April – June | Hot but suitable for wildlife |
| July – September | Heavy rains; cruises may stop |
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