Sri Venkateswara National Park

Nestled in the lush Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara National Park is a breathtaking wildlife sanctuary spread across 353 square kilometers, covering parts of Tirupati, Chittoor, and Kadapa districts. Named after Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala, this biodiversity hotspot is home to dense forests, cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and sacred pilgrimage sites.

Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or wildlife photographer, this park offers a perfect blend of spirituality, scenic beauty, and thrilling experiences.

Why Visit Sri Venkateswara National Park?

✅ A paradise for wildlife lovers & birdwatchers 🦜
✅ Home to the stunning Talakona, Gundalakona & Gunjana waterfalls 🌊
✅ Rich biodiversity with rare species like the Indian Giant Squirrel & Slender Loris 🐒
✅ A peaceful escape near the famous Tirumala Temple 🛕
✅ Perfect for trekking, photography & nature walks 🌿

Best Places to Visit in Sri Venkateswara National Park

1. Talakona Waterfalls – The Highest Waterfall in Andhra Pradesh 🌊

One of the biggest attractions inside the national park, Talakona Waterfalls drops from a height of 270 feet, making it the tallest waterfall in Andhra Pradesh.

Why Visit?

• Surrounded by thick forests & misty landscapes, making it a magical sight.
• A short trek through the jungle leads to the base of the waterfall.
• Enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear water.

🌟 Best Time to Visit: Post-monsoon (September – February) when the waterfall is at its fullest.

2. Gundalakona Waterfalls – A Hidden Natural Wonder 🌊

Less crowded than Talakona, Gundalakona Waterfalls is a peaceful retreat, perfect for nature lovers and meditation seekers.

What’s Special?

• A small but beautiful waterfall, surrounded by dense green forests.
• Believed to have medicinal properties, making it a sacred spot.
• A great place for trekking & photography, away from tourist crowds.

🌟 Perfect for: Travelers looking for offbeat and unexplored locations.

3. Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary – A Biodiversity Hotspot 🦌🐒🦜

The core area of the national park is home to rich wildlife, exotic birds, and rare plant species.

Wildlife You Can Spot Here:

• Indian Giant Squirrel 🐿️ – A rare, vibrant-colored squirrel found in the tall trees.
• Slender Loris 🦉 – A nocturnal primate known for its big eyes & slow movements.
• Leopards & Wild Dogs 🐆🐕 – Occasionally spotted in deep forests.
• Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, and Indian Pangolins 🦌.

Best Time for Wildlife Spotting:

🌄 Early morning or late evening safaris offer the best chance to see animals in their natural habitat.

🌟 Tip: Carry binoculars & a camera for birdwatching & wildlife photography!

4. Deer Park – A Family-Friendly Wildlife Spot 🦌

Located near Kapila Theertham, this mini zoo is home to hundreds of spotted deer.

Why Visit?

• A great place for kids & families to see deer up close.
• A calm & green environment, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• Often visited by peacocks & other small animals roaming freely.

🌟 Perfect for: A quick visit after Tirupati temple darshan.

5. Mamandur Forest – A Trekker’s Paradise 🥾

For adventure lovers, Mamandur Forest offers exciting trekking trails through dense jungle and rocky landscapes.

Highlights:

• Explore deep forests with a guide for a thrilling jungle experience.
• Hidden caves & ancient rock formations along the way.
• A chance to spot rare birds & wild animals.

🌟 Best Time for Trekking: October – March for cool weather and lush greenery.

Best Time to Visit Sri Venkateswara National Park

🌦️ Winter (October – March): Best time for trekking, wildlife safaris & sightseeing.
🔥 Summer (April – June): Hot, but still good for morning visits.
🌧️ Monsoon (July – September): The waterfalls are at their best, but some trails may be slippery.

🌟 Want to see lush greenery & full waterfalls? Visit between October & February!

How to Reach Sri Venkateswara National Park?

🚗 By Road:

• From Tirupati: 15 km (30-minute drive).
• From Chennai: 160 km (4-hour drive).
• From Bangalore: 250 km (5-hour drive).
• Regular buses & taxis are available from Tirupati.

🚆 By Train:

• Nearest Railway Station: Tirupati Railway Station (20 km away).
• Well connected to Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai & Vijayawada.

✈️ By Air:

• Nearest Airport: Tirupati Airport (35 km away).
• Regular flights from Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai & Delhi.

🌟 Best Option: Hire a cab from Tirupati for a scenic drive through the hills.

Where to Stay Near Sri Venkateswara National Park?

🏡 Luxury & Mid-Range Resorts:

• Haritha Jungle Resort (AP Tourism), Talakona 🌿
• Pai Viceroy, Tirupati 🏨

🌿 Budget & Nature Stays:

• Eco Jungle Camps near Talakona Waterfalls 🏕️
• Local Homestays in Tirupati & Chittoor 🏡

🌟 Tip: Book your stay in advance, especially during weekends & festival seasons.

Must-Try Food in Tirupati & Nearby Areas 🍛🔥

1. Tirupati Laddu 🍘 – The world-famous temple sweet.

2. Andhra Chicken Biryani 🍗 – Spicy & flavorful!

3. Bamboo Chicken 🍗 – A tribal delicacy cooked in bamboo stems.

4. Ragi Sangati with Natu Kodi Pulusu 🍲 – A local millet dish with country chicken curry.

5. Pulihora (Tamarind Rice) 🍚 – A temple-style Andhra classic.

🌟 Best Places to Eat: Local Andhra mess-style restaurants in Tirupati & Chittoor.

Why You Should Visit Sri Venkateswara National Park

✔ A breathtaking mix of wildlife, waterfalls & spirituality 🌿
✔ Perfect for trekking, photography & adventure lovers 🥾📸
✔ A peaceful escape near the famous Tirumala Temple 🛕
✔ Rich biodiversity with rare birds & animals 🦜🐒
✔ An offbeat destination, away from crowded tourist spots 🌊

Conclusion

Sri Venkateswara National Park is not just a wildlife sanctuary—it’s a gateway to nature’s wonders. Whether you’re standing under a massive waterfall, spotting a rare bird, or hiking through dense forests, this place promises an unforgettable adventure.

So, when are you planning your Sri Venkateswara National Park trip? 🌿✨

Have you visited this hidden paradise? Share your experience in the comments! 😊