Palarapu Guttalu is the only known Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) breeding and nesting site in Telangana. A colony of Long-billed Vultures was first identified here by Forest officials in 2013. The Telangana Forest Department subsequently initiated a dedicated conservation project in January 2015, supported through CAMPA funding, to monitor and protect the birds and their habitat.
Historical monitoring has recorded substantial fluctuations in the population. Reports from 2022 documented the return of Long-billed Vultures to Palarapu Guttalu after a period of absence, while scientific studies have documented a significant decline in the breeding population during the subsequent monitoring period. In January 2025, most of the vultures were reported to have moved to a vulture sanctuary in Maharashtra, reportedly in search of food. This should be treated as a dated observation rather than a permanent absence from Palarapu Guttalu.
Palarapu Cliff is a prominent rock formation above the confluence of the Peddavagu stream and Pranahita River. Scientific studies describe its southern face as approximately 75 meters high, with a total cliff height of about 108 meters. The site lies within the Bejjur Reserved Forest of the Kaghaznagar Forest Division, adjoining Nandigaon village.
In May 2025, the Telangana government issued GO 49 notifying the proposed Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve, covering approximately 1,492.88 sq km across forest areas of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district. The proposal was intended to strengthen the wildlife corridor between the Kawal Tiger Reserve in Telangana and the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. However, the government subsequently placed GO 49 in abeyance on July 21, 2025. It should therefore not be described as a currently operational conservation reserve unless the government subsequently restores or replaces the notification.
The Telangana Forest Department's vulture conservation project at Palarapu Guttalu commenced in January 2015. A field biologist and five bird trackers were appointed as part of the monitoring effort. The project has focused on documenting the status of Long-billed Vultures and protecting their breeding habitat.
About Palarapu Guttalu
Vulture Conservation
Palarapu Guttalu is recognized in official district tourism information as a Vulture Reserve in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district. Its importance comes primarily from the breeding habitat of the Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus).
The Long-billed Vulture is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. A breeding colony was identified at Palarapu Cliff in 2013, making the site an important location for vulture research and conservation in Telangana.
The Telangana Forest Department initiated a dedicated conservation project at Palarapu Cliff in January 2015. Monitoring has included field personnel and bird trackers tasked with observing the colony and protecting the habitat.
Forest Environment
Palarapu Cliff is located in the forested landscape of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, near Nandigaon village in Penchikalpet mandal. The cliff stands at the confluence of the Peddavagu stream and Pranahita River.
Scientific studies place the site within the Bejjur Reserved Forest of the Kaghaznagar Forest Division. The southern face of the cliff is approximately 75 meters high, while the total cliff height is about 108 meters.
The wider landscape extends toward forest habitats adjoining Maharashtra. The proposed Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve under GO 49 of May 2025 included forest areas in the Penchikalpet and Bejjur ranges, but the government placed GO 49 in abeyance on July 21, 2025.
Why Palarapu Guttalu Is Important
Vultures are important scavengers that help remove animal remains from the environment and contribute to ecosystem processes. The recognition of Palarapu Guttalu as a Vulture Reserve reflects the conservation importance of the site.
The district administration's official tourism information lists Palarapuguttalu as a Vulture Reserve among the places of interest in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district.
Palarapu Guttalu is widely described as the only known Long-billed Vulture breeding and nesting site in Telangana. A colony was identified here in 2013, and the Forest Department subsequently established a conservation-monitoring project.
Population numbers have fluctuated substantially. Scientific monitoring documented an average of approximately 32 Long-billed Vultures across the monitored breeding colonies during 2015–2021, with a peak of 42 recorded in 2017 and a marked decline by 2021. These figures should not be interpreted as a current population count for Palarapu Guttalu.
In January 2025, most of the Long-billed Vultures associated with Palarapu Guttalu were reported to have migrated to a vulture sanctuary in Maharashtra, reportedly in search of food. Future sightings and colony recovery should therefore be confirmed through current Forest Department monitoring.
Birdwatching & Nature Observation
Palarapu Guttalu can be approached as a wildlife and bird-observation destination. Visitors should maintain a quiet presence, keep a safe distance from wildlife and avoid disturbing birds or potential nesting areas.
The Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus) is the principal species of conservation interest. Scientific monitoring has recorded considerable variation in numbers at the breeding colonies of the Kaghaznagar Forest Division.
Other birds have also been reported from the Palarapu cliff and surrounding forest landscape. However, specific current species lists and population numbers should be confirmed through recent Forest Department or scientific surveys rather than assumed from older observations.
Responsible Visiting
How to Visit
Palarapu Guttalu is located near Nandigaon village in Penchikalpet mandal, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana. The site is associated with the confluence of the Peddavagu stream and the Pranahita River.
Scientific studies place Palarapu Cliff in the Bejjur Reserved Forest of the Kaghaznagar Forest Division. Publicly available official information does not provide sufficiently detailed visitor directions for the final approach to the cliff.
Visitors should confirm the current access route and any permission requirements with the Kaghaznagar Forest Division or relevant local Forest Department officials before travelling. Forest access may be affected by wildlife-protection measures, weather, road conditions and departmental regulations.
The nearest major railway facilities serving the wider district include Sirpur Kaghaznagar and Asifabad Road. Onward road travel is required from the railway network.
Visitors should avoid relying on unverified coordinates or informal forest access routes, particularly because the site is a sensitive vulture breeding habitat.
Best Time for Nature Observation
Breeding Activity
Breeding activity of Long-billed Vultures (Gyps indicus) has been documented at Palarapu Cliff during the cooler months. December has been specifically reported as a breeding period at the site.
Vulture sightings are not guaranteed, particularly because the colony has experienced substantial population fluctuations and birds have periodically moved between Palarapu and locations in Maharashtra.
Other Seasons
Bird activity and viewing conditions vary according to season, weather, food availability and the status of the vulture colony.
The site remains part of the forested Bejjur landscape throughout the year, but visitors should not assume that Long-billed Vultures will be present at any particular time.
Current wildlife conditions should be confirmed with the Forest Department before planning a dedicated vulture-observation visit.
Directions from Asifabad and How to Reach
From Asifabad town: Palarapu Guttalu is located in the Penchikalpet mandal area near Nandigaon village. Because detailed road and trail information is not consistently documented in official sources, the final approach should be confirmed locally before starting the journey.
By Road: Asifabad is the district headquarters and can serve as a practical base for travel within Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district. From Asifabad, visitors can travel toward the Penchikalpet and Nandigaon area and confirm the current local access route before entering forest areas.
By Train: Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district is served by railway stations including Sirpur Kaghaznagar and Asifabad Road. From the railway network, onward road travel is required.
Important: Access conditions in forest areas can change. Visitors should check with the Kaghaznagar Forest Division or local Forest Department authorities regarding the current route, restrictions and safety requirements before entering forest areas.
Essential Travel Tips – Palarapu Guttalu
Suggested Day Trip from Asifabad
Asifabad → Penchikalpet / Nandigaon area → Palarapu Guttalu → Asifabad
- Start from Asifabad after confirming the current access route.
- Travel toward the Penchikalpet and Nandigaon area.
- Confirm the local trail and applicable forest restrictions before proceeding.
- Allow sufficient time for the approach, wildlife observation and return journey.
- Return to the village or Asifabad before dark.
Exact trekking times should not be treated as fixed because trail conditions can vary with rainfall, vegetation and local access restrictions.
Nearby Attractions in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District
Frequently Asked Questions – Palarapu Guttalu
Where is Palarapu Guttalu located?
Palarapu Guttalu is located near Nandigaon village in Penchikalpet
mandal, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana, at the confluence
of the Peddavagu stream and the Pranahita River.
What vulture species is found there?
The site is known primarily for the critically endangered
Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus).
Is Palarapu Guttalu the only vulture nesting site in
Telangana?
It is widely described as the only known Long-billed Vulture
breeding and nesting site in Telangana. This refers to the
documented breeding colony at Palarapu Cliff and should not be
interpreted as meaning that no other vulture species are ever recorded
elsewhere in the state.
How high is Palarapu Cliff?
Scientific studies describe the southern rock face as approximately
75 meters high, with a total cliff height of about
108 meters.
Can visitors see vultures?
Sightings are not guaranteed. The colony has experienced substantial
fluctuations, and in January 2025 most of the vultures were reported
to have moved to a vulture sanctuary in Maharashtra. Current conditions
should be confirmed with the Forest Department.
When is the breeding season?
Breeding activity has been documented during the cooler months, with
December specifically reported as a breeding period. A fixed
October–May season should not be assumed for every year.
Is a guide required?
A guide should not be described as universally mandatory without
confirmation of current Forest Department rules. Because the attraction
involves forest habitat and limited publicly documented route
information, local assistance may be advisable.
Are there entry fees?
An official entry fee could not be verified from the authoritative
sources reviewed. Any local guide or service charge should be confirmed
locally rather than stated as an official fee.
Plan Your Trip – Official and Reference Sources
- Kumuram Bheem Asifabad District – Places of Interest
- Telangana Tourism – Kumuram Bheem Asifabad
- Telangana Today – Reports on Palarapu vultures, population trends and migration
- The Hindu – Reporting on Palarapu Cliff and vulture conservation
- Journal of Biosciences – Research on Long-billed and White-rumped Vulture abundance at Kaghaznagar Forest Division
- Government of Telangana – GO 49, Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve, issued May 30, 2025
Note on GO 49: Government Order No. 49, issued in May 2025, proposed the Kumram Bheem Conservation Reserve covering approximately 1,492.88 sq km. The Telangana government subsequently placed the order in abeyance on July 21, 2025. Accordingly, this article does not describe the proposed reserve as an active conservation reserve unless its legal status is subsequently changed.