Papikonda wildlife sanctuary is spread in three districts, Viz: Khammam, East Godavari and West Godavari. It is 50-km from Rajahmundry and extends over 591 sq km. It lies on the left and right banks of the river Godavari and cuts through the Papikonda hill range of Eastern Ghats.
Varied and multifarious streams emanating from covers of the hill make the Papikonda forest vegetation luxuriant. All these constitute to make the area into a typical ecological, facinal and geomorphological zone.
The different species of flora found here are
Tectona Grandis, Terminalias, Tomentosa,
Lagerstroemia Lanceolata, Latifolia, Albizzia Amara,
Albizzia Lebbeck. Dendrocalamus Strictus Bambusa
Arundinacea.
The habitat is suited for Tigers, Gaurs, Panther and
other animals like Spotted Deer, Four Horned
Antelope, Sambar, Hyena, Jackals, Sloth Bear,
Muggers. The presence of Gharials was also reported.
A variety of both resident and migratory birds are
found along the river Godavari and its tributaries.
Other Attractions
A hill reserve forest called Rekapalle in Khammam
district, which is situated in this sanctuary, is
reported to be 'Kishkindha', the ape kingdom of
Ramayana times. Visiting this place leaves an
unforgettable impression on the minds of nature
lovers. Other attractions of this place are an
Environmental Education Centre and a Museum.
How to Reach This Place
Road : 50 kms. from Rajahmundry. Regular
launches ply on river Godavari between Rajahmundry
and Bhadrachalam via Papikonda
Rail : 50 kms. from Rajahmundry.
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