🌿 Explore Chincholi Wildlife & Hidden Gems
Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka, near Zaheerabad in Telangana, is often called the "Ooty of Telangana" (a misnomer, as it lies in Karnataka). Declared a sanctuary in 2011, it spans 134.88 sq.km, making it the first dry land wildlife sanctuary in South India. The sanctuary hosts diverse flora including medicinal herbs, red sandalwood, teak trees, and fauna like Black Buck, Four-horned Antelope, Hyena, Indian Wolf, and over 35 bird species.
✨ Highlights of Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Safe haven for Wolves and Hyenas
- Documented presence of dholes (wild dogs) in the Kalyana-Karnataka region
- Features similar to Western Ghats in Hyderabad-Karnataka region
- Spread over five forest blocks: Chincholi, Sangapura, Bhonsapur, Magdumpur, Shadipur
- Rich flora: dry & moist deciduous forests, teak & acacia plantations, medicinal herbs, red sanders, and sandalwood trees
🌄 Gottam Gutta
Located 25 km from Zaheerabad and 7 km from Chandrampalli, Gottam Gutta is a forested gem on the Chandrampalli reservoir of River Bhima. About 135 km from Hyderabad, it’s perfect for camping (note: check local permissions) and trekking. Features include:
- Scenic forested trails and natural beauty
- Beautiful waterfalls and tiny temples
- Emerald water body with sparkling reflections
- Ideal for adventurers, trekkers, and nature lovers
🗺️ Route & Nearby Attractions
Suggested route: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Mogudumpalli → Gottam Gutta → Chincholi Sanctuary → Ethipothala
Alternative: Hyderabad → Sangareddy → Zaheerabad → Govindapur → Mogudampalli → Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary → Gottam Gutta
🏞️ Chandrampalli Dam
Built across the Bhima River in Chandrampalli village (Chincholi taluk, Gulbarga district, Karnataka). The dam supports irrigation of multiple villages. About 20 km from Chincholi Sanctuary, it is easily accessible with no major checkpoints. Three cottages managed by Karnataka Tourism are available for overnight stays.
🌊 Ethipothala Waterfalls
Locally named Ethipothala, this waterfall requires guidance from locals for the exact route. A scenic stop after Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary for trekkers and nature lovers.
🥾 Trekking in Chincholi Sanctuary
Trekking Trail: 4 hours (~8 km), passing through wooded forests, grasslands, gorges, dry deciduous forests, teak plantations, bamboo thickets, and rocky outcrops. Highlights include Jalari trees, perennial water bodies, undulating landscapes, diverse flora & fauna, and birdcalls along the way.
More info: Karnataka Ecotourism Trek Info
🏡 Stay & Facilities
- Cottages available at Chandrampalli Dam (Camping not allowed)
- Food available at nearby villages
🔹 Activities
- Bird watching
- Short hikes and trekking
- Waterfall visits
- Optional visit to Ananthagiri Hills on the way back to Hyderabad
📅 Suggested Itineraries
1-Day Trip
- Morning: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Gottam Gutta. Trek and explore the forested area and waterfall.
- Afternoon: Lunch near Chandrampalli Dam; enjoy views of the reservoir and surrounding forests.
- Evening: Short trek inside Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. Return to Zaheerabad or nearby cottages for stay.
2-Day Trip
- Day 1: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Gottam Gutta. Camping not allowed; stay in cottages nearby.
- Day 2: Explore Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. Visit Ethipothala Waterfalls on return to Hyderabad via Ananthagiri Hills (optional stop).
3-Day Adventure & Wildlife
- Day 1: Hyderabad → Zaheerabad → Gottam Gutta. Short trek and nature walk. Stay in Chandrampalli Dam cottages.
- Day 2: Explore Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary trekking trails. Birdwatching and spotting fauna.
- Day 3: Visit Ethipothala Waterfalls and optional Ananthagiri Hills before returning to Hyderabad.
🌟 Nearby Attractions
- Gottam Gutta: Scenic forested area on Chandrampalli reservoir; trekking and nature exploration.
- Chandrampalli Dam: Built across Bhima River; cottages available for overnight stay.
- Ethipothala Waterfalls: Stunning waterfall; trekking required and local guidance recommended.
- Ananthagiri Hills: Optional stop en route to Hyderabad; popular for trekking and natural beauty.
- Zaheerabad Town: Nearest town for food, basic amenities, and local markets.
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