Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary(WLS) is probably the best wildlife sanctuary in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is named after Rollapadu a small village at a distance of 45 km from Kurnool town. The grassland is known as the primary territory of the Great Indian Bustard, a rare bird species. The Sanctuary is spread over 6.14 sq km and was set up in the year 1988 to protect the Indian Bustard.
Birds of Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary attracts many migratory birds and it is also known as Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary. Alaganuru Reservoir is a must-visit place, as it acts as a staging site for migratory birds. As many as 255 bird species were spotted at Rollapadu as per ebird.org an online database of bird sightings. The best time to visit the grassland is the post-monsoon season during October and February.
As many as 800 Black Bucks are present in the sanctuary, which is a cause for concern. The increasing population of Black Bucks is hurting the food sources of the Bustard, Harriers and other migratory birds. As the grass is rapidly vanishing because of the
overpopulation of the deer so is the grasshoppers the main source of food for the Bustards and Harriers.
Download a printable version of the checklist of birds by clicking here.
Wildlife at Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is home to animals such as the Black Buck, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Golden Jackel, Indian Fox, Indian Wolf, Common Mangoose, Bonet Macaquaes, jungle cat etc.
Reptiles of Rollapadu
The sanctuary is home to reptiles like Common Rat Sanke, Green Whip Snake, Spectacled Cobra, Common Wolf Snake, Common Skink, Common Lizard, Fan-tailed lizard and Common Monitor Lizard.
Birds of Rollapadu Wildlife Sancturary
- Great Indian Bustard
- Lesser Florican
- Eagles
- Harriers
- Cuckoos
- Larks
- Pipits
- Swallows
- Babblers
- Waterfowls
- Kites
- Kingfishers
- Drongos
- Shrikes
- Owls
- Bee-eaters
- Partridges
- Doves
Where to stay?
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary has a forest guest house, and the accommodation is pretty decent. We encourage the readers to stay at the guest house as it will help the forest department with some revenue. This could, in turn, lead to better facilities in the future. Alternatively, you can stay at Allagadda which is a 20 minutes drive to the sanctuary.
What to carry?
Carry enough food, water, energy bars and snacks. Please note that there is no option for food at the sanctuary. You will have to travel 10 km for food.
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary Safari Booking
The safari starts at 6 am and lasts for 3 hours. There is a charge of Rs. 500/- if you carry a DSLR. Also, there is an entry fee of Rs. 1000/- and Rs. 500/- for the safari.
Rollapadu Video
