Papikondalu National Park

Papikondalu National Park, Papikondalu Overview

Covering a significantly vast area of over 1000 km square, Papikondalu National Park in Andhra Pradesh's East and West Godavari districts is a beautiful forest reserve offering stunning views of nature and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The area was declared as a national park only recently in 2008.

Geography of Papikondalu National Park

With River Godavari running through the National Park and enriching its allure, Papikondalu is situated ideally between East and West Godavari. The diverse topography of Papikondalu is remarkable. It supports densely forested hills, valleys, deep gorges, and streams, giving life to all forms of wildlife and vegetation.

Flora of Papikondalu National Park

A wide range of Eastern Ghats vegetation can be spotted inside the park on an evening stroll. The park is mainly covered with dry deciduous tropical trees. And vibrant and colourful shrubs and plants in between add to the beauty of the park. Some species of flora include Albizia Amara, Latifolia, Albizia Lebbeck, Terminalias, Tectona Grandis, Lagerstroemia Lanceolata, Tomentosa, Arundinacea, Bambusa, Albizzia Amara, Dendrocalamus Strictus, Pterocarpus among others.

Fauna of Papikondalu National Park

While Papikondalu flaunts a wide variety of plant species, it doesn't back down when it comes to wildlife. The wildlife species include rare exotic and native species: tiger, four-horned antelope, hyena, spotted deer, sloth bears, and jackals are amongst the common ones.

Few others includes panthers, gaur, gharial, mouse deer, marsh crocodile, blackbucks, wild dogs, barking deer, sambar, among others.

History of Papikondalu National Park

Mythologically, the national park is called the kingdom of apes during the time of Ramayana. Thus, the park was formerly known as Kishkinda as the inhabitants of Kishkinda had given a helping hand to Lord Rama in getting back Sita from the evil Ravana.

Best Time to Visit Papikondalu National Park

The best time to visit the national park is from October to May when the temperatures lie comfortably between 24 degrees C to 31 degrees C during winters. Between 35 degrees C and 28 degrees C during summers. Expect a little humidity in the summer months, but the natural surrounding keeps you fresh. So you won't be sweating under the scorching sun.

How to Reach Papikondalu National Park

By Air: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam, about 100 km away from Papikondalu National Park. You can hire a private taxi from there.
By Railways: The nearest station is Rajahmundry, 4.5 km away from Papikondalu National Park. The station lies on two main routes – Chennai to Kolkata and Chennai to Delhi. You can take a rickshaw or taxi from the station to the national park.
By Road: There are several private and government-owned transport services available from nearby cities – Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and more.
By Water: You can also reach Papikondalu National Park via boats. These run on frequent intervals from Rajahmundry.