Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

🦁 Into the Wild: Exploring Pocharam Sanctuary

📍 Location

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Medak and Nizamabad districts of Telangana, India. It is named after the nearby Pocharam Lake. The sanctuary lies approximately 150 km north of Hyderabad. The nearest town is Medak, from where visitors can access the sanctuary by private transport, bus, or jeep. GPS coordinates: 18.0151° N, 78.3812° E.

🌳 Overview

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1952 by the Nizam of Hyderabad, spans 130 sq.kms. The sanctuary protects diverse wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, panthers, deer, and numerous bird species. Named after Pocharam Lake, it is a haven for wildlife and migratory birds.

🦌 Main Wildlife Attractions

• Bar-Headed Goose
• Brahminy Bucks
• Open Billed Stork
• Leopard
• Sloth Bear
• Sambar
• Panther, Wild Boar, Chital, Nilgai, Chinkara, Hyena, Jackal
• Fish: Catla, Rahu, Murrel, Ech Paten, Karugu, Chidwa
• Crocodiles, freshwater turtles, cobras, marsh reptiles

🌿 Flora

The sanctuary is lush with Babul Prosopis, Pistia, Hydrilla, Eichornia, and Vallisneria. Nine small islands serve as breeding grounds for birds, crocodiles, and turtles, hosting species like Painted Storks, Herons, Coots, Teals, Cormorants, Pochards, Ibises, Spoon Bills, and Open Billed Storks.

☀️ Best Time to Visit

October to July. Summer temperatures can reach 46°C, while winters can drop to 6°C.

🚶‍♂️ Safari & Activities

• 4.5 km walking or jeep trail through forest and marshland
• Birdwatching from a central watchtower
• Observation of deer, peacocks, butterflies, and migratory birds
• Visit Pocharam Dam for serene views, water activities, and photography
• Eco-tourism center showcasing antelopes and deer species

🏞️ Nearby Attractions

• Pocharam Dam – scenic reservoir and water activities
• Medak Fort – historical fort in Medak district
• Pocharam Lake – ideal for birdwatching and photography
• Macherla town – local culture and cuisine

🛣️ How to Reach

• By Road: Accessible from Medak via private transport; buses and jeeps available from nearby towns.
• By Rail: Nearest railway station is Hyderabad, 150 km away.

🏨 Where to Stay

There are no accommodations inside the sanctuary. Visitors can stay in:

• Medak – hotels and lodges available
• Hyderabad – 150 km away with a wide range of hotels and resorts
• Nearby eco-tourism cottages (check local guides for Medak district options)

📝 Visitor Tips

• Carry drinking water, food, and basic first aid.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes for safaris.
• Respect wildlife; avoid loud noises and feeding animals.
• Climb watchtowers cautiously; no medical aid is nearby.
• Plan visits on weekdays to avoid large weekend crowds.

📜 Historical Note

The Pocharam Forest was once a favorite hunting ground of the Nizam. A large building constructed in 1918 offers panoramic views but has been neglected over time. The reservoir, formed by damming the Allair river (1916–1922), adds to the scenic charm of the sanctuary.