MAHAVIR HARINA VANASTHALI

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Hyderabad

Location:	15 Kilometers from Hyderabad city, in Vanasthalipuram.
How to Reach:	Local transport that is easily available within Hyderabad.
Main Attraction:	Endangered Black Bucks and other animals.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is situated in Vanasthalipuram, which is around 15 kilometers from the city. Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary in Hyderabad has been named after the holy Jain saint 'Lord Mahavira'. It was established in 1975 on this renowned saint's 2500th birth anniversary. This sanctuary was once the exciting 'Shikargarh' or hunting ground of one of the Nizam rulers. It has now been converted into a protected national park under the law. The park is in full bloom during monsoons when beautiful flowers of different colors blossom all around. This Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is home to the endangered Black Buck deer. An estimated 400 deer roam around the National Park fearlessly.

The other species of animals apart from the Black Buck that are found over here are cheetahs, wild boar, monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines and innumerable variety of snakes. Several species of birds like partridges, quails, peacocks, doves, pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants are also found here in great numbers. One can also find birds of prey like kites, vultures, eagle etc. Over 80 species of migratory birds can be seen basking in the sun. The Short-toed Eagle, which is a rare variety among the bird species, is also found in this area. The national park provides a tour around the park in vans for those who are interested in seeing the wildlife from a nearer distance. The park is open on all days (except Monday), from 9am to 5 pm. There are observation points in the Park for people to view animals at hotspots.