KBR National Park

A Green Lung in the Heart of the City: In the midst of Hyderabad's most affluent neighborhoods – Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills – lies a remarkable wilderness that has become a sanctuary for both wildlife and weary city dwellers. Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, locally known as KBR Park, is a 390-acre protected forest that stands as a testament to nature's resilience amidst urban expansion. The park is frequently described as a "jungle amidst the concrete jungle" – a place where one can hear the call of peacocks while being just minutes away from luxury boutiques and corporate offices.

What makes KBR Park truly unique is that it contains the historic Chiran Palace, which was built in 1940 and given to Prince Mukarram Jah on his coronation by his father Prince Azam Jah in 1967. The palace complex, including the Mor (peacock) bungalow on a hillock, Gol Bungalow, stables for elephants, horses, and cattle, and a motor khana housing a fleet of exquisite vintage cars, adds a royal dimension to this urban wilderness.

📜 History – From Nizam's Property to National Park

Palace Features: The duplex-type palace has two cellars where the prince had his billiard room along with a large conference hall. The ground floor contains an armory hall, two guest rooms, his office, a place for visitors, pantry, and kitchen. The first floor comprises seven bedrooms where the Nizam lived with his wife and children.

Conversion to National Park (1998): The entire palace complex area was declared a National Park by the Andhra Pradesh state government after receiving permission from the central government in 1998. This gave control of the major part of the land to the forest department, and the Nizam was left with the control of only about 11 acres. Over time, the control of the Nizam was further reduced to the present less than six acres. The park was renamed Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, with only the palace building being referred to as Chiran palace.

2010 Agreement: In June 2010, the Prince and his representatives reached an agreement with the state government to exchange Chiran Palace and 16 other pieces of his property scattered over the national park with six acres of land on the north-west corner of the park. This agreement received the approval of The Indian Board of Wildlife, the Supreme Court, and the central government.

Eco-Sensitive Zone (2020): On 27 October 2020, the Government of India declared the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around KBR National Park, providing additional legal protection to the park's surroundings.

🌿 A Biodiversity Hotspot – 600+ Plant Species, 140+ Birds

Water Bodies: There are a few water bodies present in the park providing the needed moisture for the plants and quenching the thirst of birds and small animals. These water sources attract a variety of wildlife, especially during the dry summer months.

The park has over 600 species of plant life, ranging from native trees and shrubs to flowering plants, creating a dense canopy that provides shelter and food for the resident wildlife. The park is particularly beautiful during the monsoon and winter months when the vegetation is lush and green.

🏛️ Chiran Palace and Estate Structures

The palace complex is just one part of the larger property, which includes several other notable structures:

• Mor (Peacock) Bungalow: A charming bungalow located on a hillock within the park
• Gol Bungalow: A round-shaped bungalow with unique architecture
• Stables: For elephants, horses, and cattle – a reminder of the royal lifestyle
• Motor Khana: A garage that once housed a fleet of exquisite vintage cars
• Workshop: For heavy machinery maintenance
• Petrol Pump: On the property grounds
• Several Outhouses: For staff and storage
• Two Wells and Two Water Tanks: Providing water for the estate

🚶 Visitor Experience – A Walk Through the Jungle

The park provides an excellent lung space and environment away from the busy city life and rising pollution levels. The park is frequented in the evenings and weekends by young and old alike – joggers, walkers, nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and families all come to enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Walking and Jogging Trails: The park has well-maintained walking and jogging trails that wind through the forest. The pathways are shaded by trees, making morning and evening walks a refreshing experience. Many regular visitors have formed walking groups and community bonds over the years.

Birdwatching Paradise: With over 140 species of birds recorded, KBR Park is a premier birdwatching destination in Hyderabad. Early morning visits (5:00 AM – 7:00 AM) are especially rewarding, with opportunities to spot both resident and migratory birds.

🌍 Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) – Legal Protection (2020)

On 27 October 2020, the Government of India declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around KBR National Park. This designation provides additional legal protection to the park and its surrounding areas, regulating construction and industrial activities in the buffer zone to preserve the ecological integrity of the national park.

📍 Location and Transport

Address: Opp TDP Office, Road No 2, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500034

Nearest Landmarks: TDP Party House (Telugu Desam Party office), Jubilee Hills Check Post, LV Prasad Eye Hospital, Annapurna Studios, Park Hyatt Hotel

Nearest Metro Station: Jubilee Hills Check Post Metro Station (on the Blue Line)

Nearest MMTS Station: Begumpet Railway Station

Nearest Bus Stop: Jubilee Hills Check Post / TDP Office

⏰ Visitor Information

🎒 Visitor Tips

• Comfortable walking shoes – Essential for exploring the walking trails
• Binoculars – For birdwatching (140+ species to spot!)
• Camera – Capture the peacocks, butterflies, and scenic views
• Water bottle – Stay hydrated, especially during summer months
• Sunscreen and hat – For protection during daytime visits
• Light, comfortable clothing – Suitable for walking and warm weather
• Insect repellent – Especially during monsoon and evening hours
• No plastic bags or littering – Please help keep the park clean
• No pets allowed – To protect wildlife and maintain ecological balance

🏛️ Nearby Attractions

• Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills – Hyderabad's premier residential and commercial neighborhoods
• Film Nagar (Tollywood) – The heart of Telugu cinema
• LV Prasad Eye Hospital – Renowned medical institution (adjacent)
• Park Hyatt Hotel – Luxury hotel near the park
• Annapurna Studios – Famous film studio in the area

✨ Key Features Summary

• Name: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park (KBR Park)
• Location: Jubilee Hills / Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
• Area: 390 acres (1.6 square kilometers)
• Declared National Park: 1998 (by Andhra Pradesh state government)
• Named After: Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, 1978-1980)
• Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) declared: 27 October 2020
• Chiran Palace built: 1940
• Palace Given to Prince Mukarram Jah: 1967
• Palace Type: Modern duplex villa on 6,000 sq m – more like a big villa than a traditional palace
• Plant Species: 600+ varieties
• Bird Species: 140+ varieties
• Butterfly Varieties: 30+
• Reptile Species: 15+
• Key Wildlife: Pangolin, Small Indian Civet, Peacock, Jungle Cat, Porcupine
• Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM (Morning), 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (Evening, shorter in winter)
• Entry Fee: ₹20 (Adults), ₹10 (Children)
• Nearest Metro: Jubilee Hills Check Post (Blue Line)
• Nearest MMTS: Begumpet Railway Station
• Vehicle Access: No vehicles allowed inside the park

📚 References & More Information

• Wikipedia – Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
• Times of India – Prince Mukarram to Give Up Chiran Palace (July 2010)
• The Hindu – KBR Park Loses a Bit of Green (August 2021)