Featuring a combination of a forest reserve with a rehabilitation centre for wildlife, the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the leading wildlife hotspots in Vizag. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 70.70 sq. km and is home to various birds, including laughing dove, pied kingfisher, etc. Established on March 10, 1970, the wildlife sanctuary is named after a local hillock, Kambalakonda. One of the highlights of this sanctuary lies in its dry evergreen forest, a highly threatened yet beautiful forest that’s local to the area. Being home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, visiting this Wildlife Sanctuary is a must on your next trip to Vizag.
Where Is Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary?
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Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Due to its densely forested location, it is around 15 km from the city centre of Vizag. The sanctuary is also amidst the Eastern Ghats, where you can witness the rich biodiversity and scenic beauty of the surroundings. It is surrounded by the Meghadri Gedda reservoir on the northern side.
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Things To Do At Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Exploring a wildlife sanctuary opens up a treasure trove of experience. The list of things to do at Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is extensive, too.
1. Wildlife Watching
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Without a doubt, the sanctuary’s first and most alluring activity is to spot different kinds of wildlife, birds and reptiles too. Beyond the standard and more common wildlife, the refuge is also home to several rare species that need to be conserved. They include the Indian leopard, Madras treeshrew, Daboia Russelii, and Indian pangolin, to name a few. As you explore the expanse of the wildlife sanctuary, take the time to witness these wildlife up close. There are rare species of birds and butterflies in the sanctuary as well.
2. Night Safari
Evening safaris open up some of the most unique experiences that you will otherwise not get to witness and explore during the daytime. To ensure safety and ease of navigation, the night safari experience is available at the sanctuary’s nature park. With the darkness around and the howling of the wildlife at a distance, you get to experience the thrill of witnessing wildlife up close in a surreal setting.
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3. Birdwatching
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Beyond the wildlife population, the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary Vizag is also home to a wide range of bird species, both common and native and rare and exotic ones. A man-made reservoir inside the sanctuary has become a hub for birds. Suppose you are an avian enthusiast and also a wildlife photographer. In that case, you will particularly enjoy taking snaps of the birds that line the area of the reservoir in the wildlife sanctuary.
4. Sports and Adventure
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The thrill of wildlife spotting and interaction is indeed a unique experience. However, the wildlife sanctuary also offers access to a wide range of other sports and adventure activities. You can go on trekking expeditions along the varying trails that line through the dense forest around the sanctuary. Most of these are well-marked trails, so you wouldn’t have to worry about getting lost. However, to ensure optimal safety, you can always go ahead and hire a local guide to take you through the trails and bring you back safely as well.
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5. Nature Walks
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Nature walks are one of the best Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary activities for exploring the sanctuary at your own pace. They allow you to witness the forest’s flora up close and learn about the sanctuary’s ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts. You can also explore some of the smaller mammals, reptiles, and insects that you often miss out on during safaris.
Places To Visit Near Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
Usually, exploring the flora and fauna inside the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary takes around 3-4 hours, depending on what kind of activities you indulge in. Once done, you can consider visiting a few nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Kailasagiri
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Another must-visit destination from the sanctuary is Kailasagiri, the popular hilltop park. It is around 7 km from the sanctuary’s entrance, so you can hire a taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the base of the park. From there, you can either ride the ropeway to reach the park or you can trek to the top. The ropeway offers a unique perspective with the surrounding landscapes and the coastline of Vizag. Once inside the park, start by seeking blessings from the statues of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and then go to the designated vantage points to soak in the beauty of the surrounding cityscape.
Distance from Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 7 Km
Timings: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
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2. Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
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If your thirst for exploring wildlife, birds and animals isn’t over from the Kambalakonda sanctuary, go to the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, which is located 4 km from there. An ideal place for families and children, you get to explore the zoo to witness the different kinds of wildlife rehabilitated and kept in individual habitats that mimic the natural surroundings. Beyond the animals and birds in the zoo, the surrounding landscape with the towering Eastern Ghats adds to the allure of the place.
Distance from Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 4 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3. RK Beach (Ramakrishna Beach)
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Surprisingly, your Vizag trip wouldn’t be the same if you didn’t stop and explore RK Beach. This is a tourist hotspot but one that’s rightfully hyped. From swimming in the sea to indulging in snorkelling, there are so many unique experiences awaiting you at the beach. Known for offering some stunning sunrise and sunset views, RK Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and one that you should visit to relax and unwind after exploring the wildlife sanctuary.
Distance from Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary: 9.7 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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Facts About Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
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You must know some essential facts before taking a trip to Kambalakonda.
Unique ecosystem: This Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Eastern Ghats and features a unique ecosystem with semi-evergreen forests, tropical dry deciduous forests, and scrublands. The sanctuary is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including wild boar, spotted deer, barking deer, etc.
Address: Q8HM+9X2, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531173
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary timings: 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM
Entry fees: INR 10 for adults and INR 5 for children.
Established on March 10, 1970
Area: 70.70 sq. km.
Best Time To Visit Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
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Exploring outdoor tourist attractions, especially one like the the Wildlife Sanctuary, demands pleasant and cool weather. It would help if you planned your vacation around the winter months from October to March, when the cool weather makes it perfect to explore the area of the sanctuary without any hassle.
Also, with moderate temperatures during that time, the wildlife is more active, increasing the chances of sightings. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season from June to September since the heavy rainfall can make exploring the surroundings difficult.
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Way To Reach
Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The best part of the sanctuary is around 5 km from the city centre. You can either board a public bus or hire a taxi to the wildlife sanctuary.
If you are taking public buses, board the ones travelling from Vizianagaram to Srikakulam route along National Highway 16. You’d have to get down at the stop nearest to the wildlife sanctuary.
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Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary showcases the beauty of Andhra Pradesh’s rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. If you are excited to witness wildlife up close roaming around freely in the natural habitat or snap pictures of the exotic birds in flight, adding this wildlife sanctuary to your travel plan is a must. So, on your next trip to Andhra Pradesh, plan your visit to this sanctuary to be able to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the Eastern Ghats.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
What is the main attraction of Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary?
The main attraction at this Wildlife Sanctuary lies in their night safari experience across the nature park.
When does the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary open?
The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary timings are from 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM.
How much does it cost to visit Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary entry fee is INR 10 for adults. However, to explore the sanctuary and witness wildlife up close, you’d need to opt for safaris for an additional cost.
Is camping inside Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary allowed?
Yes, camping is available inside the sanctuary. There are cottages for overnight camping but you’d need to book them in advance.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted in the sanctuary?
The sanctuary is home to leopards, sambar deer, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, and various species of birds and reptiles.
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