The short answer
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go only if you have arranged permission in advance and are a keen birder or naturalist. It is not a drop-in tourist site, and no public facilities, safaris or fees are published.
History and context
The story behind Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
The Jerdon's courser was first recorded by Thomas C. Jerdon in 1848 and was thought extinct until its rediscovery in 1986. The state declared the region a sanctuary after the rediscovery.
Useful facts
Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh
- Area
- About 464 sq km
- Known for
- Jerdon's courser habitat
- Access
- Restricted; permission needed
- Time or schedule
- Daylight only, if permitted
Why it matters
Why Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
The sanctuary was declared after the Jerdon's courser was rediscovered near Reddipalli in 1986, having been thought extinct. Thomas Jerdon first recorded the bird in 1848. It is described as the only habitat in the world for this bird, which makes it important for conservation.\n\nThe forest also holds Red Sanders, an endemic tree, and about 1,400 plant species according to one account. Its value is ecological rather than scenic, which is why access is limited.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Jerdon's courser
A critically endangered bird recorded here; sightings are rare.
- 02
Dry thorn forest
Deep gorges and steep slopes with mixed dry deciduous thorn forest.
- 03
Red Sanders
An endemic tree found in the sanctuary.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as an expedition rather than an outing. Contact the divisional forest office in Kadapa weeks ahead, ask whether visits are allowed, on what dates, and with what escort. Do not enter without permission.\n\nIf permission is granted, go in the cooler months and the early hours. The sanctuary covers about 464 sq km of dry deciduous mixed thorn forest with deep gorges and steep slopes. Reported wildlife includes panther, sloth bear, cheetal, sambar, chowsingha, chinkara, nilgai and wild boar.\n\nThe Jerdon's courser is extremely elusive and has not been recorded for many years in some accounts, so do not count on seeing it. Take water, food and a guide, as nothing is published about facilities inside.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Request permission from the forest office
- Hire a guide
- Go in daylight only
- Carry water and food
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kadapa district; no published visitor route from Siddhavatam, so ask the forest office
- Time needed
- Half to full day, if permitted
- Best time
- November to February, daylight only
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- Terrain is rough, with gorges and steep slopes, and no public facilities are published. Not suited to those with limited mobility.
- Tickets and access
- Access is restricted. Fees, safari arrangements and permit rules are not published; contact the forest department in Kadapa well in advance.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
Terrain is rough, with gorges and steep slopes, and no public facilities are published. Not suited to those with limited mobility.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can tourists visit?
Access is restricted. Seek permission from the forest department first.
Will I see the Jerdon's courser?
Very unlikely; it is rarely recorded.
Are there fees?
None are published. Ask the forest office.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
