Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Kurnool - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 40 km from Kurnool, 43 km from Nandyal, 63 km from Alampur, 59 km from Mahanandi, 71 km from Yaganti & 255 km from Hyderabad, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best sanctuaries in the state. It is primarily known as a habitat of the Great Indian Bustard, a rare species of bird. The sanctuary also attracts large number of migratory birds and it is often called as Rollapadu Bird Sanctuary. It is situated at a distance of 4.5 km from Rollapadu village.

Covering an area of 6.14 sq. km, it was established in 1988 to protect the Great Indian Bustard. It is the only habitat for the Bustard in Andhra Pradesh which is a critically endangered species. Rollapadu sanctuary is a dry grassland area that provides unique setting to the location. There is also a large lake called Alaganuru Reservoir at a distance of 3 km from the Rollapadu village (7 km from the sanctuary). Alaganuru Reservoir is the base site for the migratory birds and it's a must visit place.

Rollapadu sanctuary is home to variety of species with large number of deer's and black bucks. Other wildlife includes Foxes, jackals, bonnet macaques, jungle cats and sloth bears have been reported at the sanctuary. It also houses 132 bird species with the Alaganuru reservoir near the sanctuary being a haunt for migratory species. Some of the bird species spotted at Rollapadu besides the bustard and the florican include Indian rollers, mynas, eagles and migratory species such as barheaded geese, Demoiselle Cranes and Greater Flamingos.

Established as an ideal site for the protection of the bustard in the 1980s, the sanctuary has suffered severe setbacks with the bustard population falling in recent years. The sanctuary currently houses nearly 800 blackbucks.

Monsoon and post-monsoon is the best season (Oct to Dec) to visit this place when the migratory birds inhabit the place. It usually takes about two hours two visit the main sanctuary and bird sanctuary. There is a small bird museum, a watch tower and guest house near the sanctuary.

The public transport to this place is limited. Few buses are available from Kurnool and Nandikotkur.