Papikonda National Park and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary are spread across three districts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states.

Papikonda National Park and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary view from river Godavari.

This national park and wildlife sanctuary is in the East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh and Khammam district in Telangana state. It lies on the Eastern Ghats. 13% of the flowering plants of India can be seen here.

Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary & National Park is spread over 1000 square kilometers. It is home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, spotted deer, sambar, bison, etc. The Bengal tiger is an Indian Tiger species and India’s national animal. Wild water buffaloes were seen till the ’80s; now, they seem extinct from these areas. About 92 Bird species are found here. This park has 31 species of plants red-listed by the ENVIS website. Kanchu mekha is a dwarf goat breed found locally.

The National park is situated along the right & left banks of the river Godavari. The sight of River Godavari meandering through the Gorges and deep forests in the National Park will make you spellbound. There is a Museum and Environmental education center inside the national park. Safari rides and river trips are major activities for tourists.

The kingdom of the Apes described in the Great Epic of Ramayana (known as Kishkinda in Ramayana) is located here in this park. Sita was brought back from Lanka to this area with the help of locals here.

Palkonda Hills, alias Papi Kondalu or Papi Hills, is in the Kadapa district. Boat safari to these areas can be booked through the AP tourism website. The Package tour from AP Tourism includes an overnight stay at huts in Kolluru village. There is no mobile or phone connectivity here, except for a satellite phone in the town.

How Do I Go To Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary or Papikonda National Park?

Rajahmundry is the nearest major city to Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary and Papikonda National Park.

Rajahmundry railway station is on the main Chennai – Delhi / Kolkotta route. Rajahmundry Airport is the nearest airport to the national park and wildlife sanctuary. Visakhapatnam Airport is around 100 kilometers from the Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Khammam is another nearby town to the national park. Warangal and Suryapet are other major towns close to the national park.

Ideal Season to Visit the National Park

October to May are the ideal months to visit Papikonda Park.

Hotels Near the Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park

Rajahmundry, Kannapuram, and Maredumilli towns have government Forest rest houses for tourists. There are many hotels in the nearby cities of Rajahmundry, Warangal, Suryapet, etc.