Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park, Hyderabad Overview

Located in the slightly silent and remote region of Chilkur in Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, Mrugavani National Park is the most popular weekend getaway for the locals and a common favourite destination of the tourists.

Sprawling over a vast area of 1211 acres, the park houses a whopping 600 species of animals and plants. The park was declared a National Park only in 1994 and has been a hit ever since. In addition to birdwatching and jungle safaris, the park also houses a tall tower that lets you take a look at the mesmerising view of the wildland below.

Besides providing the experience of witnessing exotic species of flora, fauna and avifauna; the Mrugavani National Park also has a jungle resort which allows you to unwind and relax amidst nature. If you are in or around Hyderabad, Mrugavani National Park is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.

Biodiversity of Mrugavani National Park

You can spot more than 600 species of plants including sandalwood, bamboo, rosewood, teak and neem.
There is an abundance of trees that envelopes the Mrugavani Wildlife Park. You will also get to see several smaller shrubs and herbal plants around the park.
There is an existence of almost 20 plus species of animals like the cheetah, monitor lizards, wild boar, foxes, jackals, civet cats, black-naped hares, mongooses, porcupines, etc.
There are more than 600 species of birds. It is one of the exotic locations of the country that is rich in avian fauna.
While there are several commonly spotted birds here like the ducks, peacocks, quails etc., there are also many other beautiful and rare birds at the park like the babblers, warblers, partridges and flowerpeckers.
You can even get to see more than a 100 species of insects at the Mrugavani park. Plants of this park are of the tropical dry deciduous type.

Flora of Mrugavani National Park

The prime vegetation cover of the Mrugavani National Park is represented by more than 600 species of plants that include pteridophytes, bryophytes, shrubs, herbs, climbers and trees. Some of the crucial trees that can be found in the park are Neem, Sandalwood, Bamboo, Teak, Rela and Picus.

Fauna in Mrugavani National Park

Mrugavani National Park is home to many species of animals. The most commonly seen animals include Black-Naped Hares, Mongoose Monitor Lizards, Wild Boars, Jungle Cats, Civet Cats, South-Indian Rock Agama, Sambar, Oriental Garden Lizards, Pythons, Russell Vipers and many more.

Elephants in Mrugavani National Park
Source

It is also an ideal place for bird-watchers as more than 100 varied species of birds can be found in the park. Some frequently spotted birds in the wildlife sanctuary are Peacocks, Flower Peckers, Lapwings, Warblers, Ducks, Jungle Babblers, Indian Robins, Quails, Mynas, Purple Sunbirds and others.

Safari in Mrugavani National Park

Visitors can tour the Mrugavani National Park by taking a safari bus. A maximum number of 50 passengers can board the bus at a time and it costs only INR 20 per person.

The driver gives the tourists certain guidelines related to how to behave in the park. Those who are willing to get closer to the park’s denizens can go for nature walks under the supervision of skilled guides.

Facilities in the National Park

If the tourists are finished with their wildlife exploration, they can avail many facilities within Mrugavani National Park. There is a well-stocked library, an education centre, a museum and an auditorium inside the premises of the park, which exhibits all kinds of information concerning the wildlife. Tourists can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire forest from the tall watchtower inside the park.

Facilties in Mrugavani National Park — Source

With prior bookings, tourists can also avail the accommodation facilities such as tents, cottages and dormitories located inside the park. Mrugavani National Park is under the administrative control of the Divisional Forest Officer of the Wildlife Management Department of Hyderabad, who organises series of nature camps for NGOs, schoolchildren and various assorted groups.

Tips For Visiting Mrugavani National Park

1. Polluting the national park is strictly prohibited.
2. Also, entering the core forest areas that are marked protected, can invite trouble from the authorities.

How To Reach Mrugavani National Park

It is pretty easy to reach Mrugavani National Park. This wildlife park is quite popular and is also well connected to Hyderabad main highway. You can easily board a local bus, as there are several direct buses from Hyderabad toMrugavani wildlife park. While reaching Hyderabad is super easy.

This city is connected to all major cities of the country by the means of air route and railways. Another thing that makes this national park more accessible, is the fact that it lies close to the Chilkur Balaji temple- which is quite popular throughout the country.