Explore Telangana's Oldest Sanctuary
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Eturnagaram village in Mulugu district, Telangana, India. Established on 30th January 1952 by the erstwhile Hyderabad Government, it is one of the oldest sanctuaries in the state. The sanctuary is primarily plain with about one-fourth hilly terrain, and the Godavari River flows through it, enhancing the scenic beauty and supporting rich biodiversity.
The sanctuary spans an area of about 812 km². It is home to endangered species such as Tigers, Panthers, and Gaur, as well as Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgiri, and Blackbuck. Its diverse ecosystems include dry deciduous forests, riverine areas, and scrublands, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Flora and Fauna
Flora
Eturnagaram Sanctuary is rich in plant diversity, with teak as the dominant species. Other important trees include thiruman, maddi, bamboo, mdhuca, terminalia, and pterocarpus. The forest also contains medicinal plants used by local tribal communities and forms part of the Eastern Ghats ecological zone.
Fauna
The perennial water source ‘DayyamVagu’ divides the sanctuary into two halves. Fauna includes Tigers, Leopards, Wolves, Dholes, Golden Jackals, Sloth Bears, Chousingha, Blackbuck, Nilgai, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Chinkara, Indian Giant Squirrels, and many migratory and resident bird species. Reptiles like Crocodiles, Pythons, Cobra, Kraits, and Star Snakes also inhabit the area. This diversity makes it an important site for wildlife conservation and research.
Activities and Attractions
- Trekking and nature trails in hilly areas
- Birdwatching – migratory birds visit during monsoon and winter
- Wildlife photography – dense forests and open grasslands provide excellent photo opportunities
- Eco-tourism programs conducted by ITDA and Telangana Tourism
- River walks along Godavari and DayyamVagu
Best Time to Visit
October to April is ideal, as the weather is pleasant and wildlife activity is high.
Accommodation
Options include Forest Cottages and Rest House in Tadvai, and ITDA Guest House at Eturnagaram. Telangana State Tourism also maintains nearby Haritha resorts for comfort and accessibility.
Arrival Information
- By Rail: Warangal railway station is the nearest, about 90 km away.
- By Road: 55 km from Warangal and 200 km from Hyderabad via NH163.
- By Air: Hyderabad (Shamshabad) Airport is the nearest airport.