Kanakagiri Reserve Forest

Landscape: Kanakagiri is characterised by hillocks, seasonal streams, forest tanks and deciduous-bamboo vegetation. The wider landscape has been described in published reports as containing approximately 50 hillocks. The Puligundala tank, spread over around 40 acres, is an important waterbody surrounded by forest. During the rainy season, surplus water flowing over its surplus weir creates a mini-waterfall.

Wildlife: The forest landscape supports wildlife including leopards and sloth bears. A nature walk documented five mammal species, including the Malabar Giant Squirrel. A Termite Hill Gecko and other wildlife have also been reported during biodiversity explorations. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, and visitors should not attempt to approach or feed animals.

Birdlife: Wildlife enthusiasts recorded 65 bird species during a 12-hour nature walk covering approximately four kilometres. Notable records included the Blue-eared Kingfisher, Rufous Woodpecker, White-rumped Munia, Blue-throated Blue Flycatcher and Black-rumped Shama. The Blue-eared Kingfisher sighting was reported as the first documented record of the species in Telangana. The bird count represents a documented survey of a limited forest stretch rather than a complete inventory of the reserve.

Botanical diversity: Kanakagiri and its adjoining forest ranges support diverse vegetation, including deciduous and bamboo species, orchids and other native plants. Reports have documented rare orchid species in the wider forest landscape, including Habenaria ramayyana and Eulophia gramenia in adjoining forest ranges. Hill turmeric (Curcuma pseudomontana) has also been reported in the wider Kanakagiri landscape. These records should not be interpreted as sightings specifically within the Puligundala visitor area.

Heritage: The forest contains historically and religiously significant sites. The Hastala Veeranna sculpture near Bendalapadu village is a large rock-carved representation of Kaala Bhairava featuring 18 arms. Researchers have described it as a rare depiction of the deity. Its date remains debated, with interpretations ranging from the 12th-century Kakatiya period to the 14th century. The hilltop Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple is another important site associated with the forest landscape.

The Puligundala Eco-Tourism Project was developed by the Khammam District Administration and Forest Department to promote responsible nature tourism and local employment. The project is located within the Kanakagiri Reserve Forest landscape in the Tallada Range of the Sathupally Forest Division.

The project was inaugurated on 15 April 2026 by Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, along with other public representatives. Cottages, boating facilities and the jungle safari were launched as part of the project.

The visitor infrastructure includes four air-conditioned eco-tourist cottages, two non-luxury tent houses, a canteen, trekking trails, viewpoints and forest safari arrangements. A dedicated bird-watching cabin was established by the Forest Department in March 2026 to facilitate observation of birds without unnecessarily disturbing their natural habitat.

Camping arrangements have also been reported for up to 40 tents at a time. Accommodation, camping, safari and boating are subject to current operating arrangements, permissions and advance booking.

The dedicated bird-watching cabin is an important conservation-oriented facility within the Puligundala Eco-Tourism Project. It is located near a pond close to the Hastala Veeranna sculpture on the Puligundala–Bendalapadu route.

The cabin has been designed with viewing windows that allow visitors and researchers to observe birds with binoculars and cameras while minimising disturbance to the surrounding habitat.

The pond is particularly significant because it was the location where the Blue-eared Kingfisher was first documented in Telangana. The bird's record during a nature exploration in February 2025 brought attention to Kanakagiri's birdlife and ecological importance.

Early morning is generally preferable for bird-watching. Visitors should remain quiet, avoid sudden movement and follow the instructions of forest personnel.

Hastala Veeranna Sculpture: Located near Bendalapadu village in the Kanakagiri hills, this large rock-carved sculpture depicts Kaala Bhairava with 18 arms. Its distinctive iconography, including flaming hair and a skull belt, has attracted the attention of heritage researchers. Its historical dating is not settled, with some researchers suggesting the 12th-century Kakatiya period and others proposing the 14th century. The remote forest location requires local guidance and appropriate forest access permission.

Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A hilltop shrine associated with the Hastala Veeranna sculpture and the Bendalapadu forest landscape. Local devotees regard Hastala Veeranna as a guardian deity associated with the temple. The approach passes through forest terrain and should not be attempted without checking access arrangements.

Puligundam Seasonal Waterfall: During the rainy season, excess water flows over the Puligundala tank's surplus weir, creating a mini-waterfall. The feature is seasonal and depends on rainfall and water levels.

From Khammam (approximately 60 km): Travel towards Aswaraopet on State Highway 42 and proceed towards Ramakrishnapuram village. The Puligundala project access point is approximately 11.5 km from Ramakrishnapuram.

From Hyderabad: Travel towards Khammam and continue along State Highway 42 towards Aswaraopet. The airport distance is approximately 220 km from Khammam; the total journey to the project entrance will vary according to the selected route.

By Train: Khammam railway station is the nearest identified railway station, approximately 60 km from the Puligundala forest area. Continue by road from Khammam.

By Air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the principal major airport for visitors travelling from outside the region. The official Khammam District Administration lists Hyderabad at approximately 220 km from Khammam.

Local Transport: Private vehicles and taxis are practical options for reaching the project. Check the final approach road, transport availability and forest entry arrangements with local authorities before travelling.

October – March: Generally a comfortable period for forest visits, trekking and bird-watching. Cooler conditions can make outdoor activities more pleasant.

Monsoon (July–October): Rainfall brings greenery to the forest and may activate the Puligundam seasonal waterfall as excess water flows over the tank's surplus weir. However, forest trails and access roads can become slippery.

Summer (March–June): Temperatures are generally higher. Plan outdoor activities during early morning or late afternoon and carry sufficient drinking water.

Bird-Watching: The dedicated cabin near the pond on the Puligundala–Bendalapadu route provides an organised observation point. Early morning is generally a suitable time for observing bird activity.