Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary

Introduction

Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Andhra Pradesh, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.

Quick Facts

Particular Details
StateAndhra Pradesh
DistrictsForest Division of Andhra Pradesh
Year of Notification1978 (Wildlife Protection Act)
Total Area285.00 sq km
LandscapeEastern Ghats hill ranges, Nallamala dry deciduous forests, coastal mangrove deltas, and Godavari-Krishna river basins.
Major Rivers & WaterbodiesGodavari River delta, Krishna River, Swarnamukhi River, Penna River
Nearest AirportVijayawada International Airport (VGA) / Rajahmundry (RJA) / Tirupati (TIR) – 45 to 85 km
Nearest Railway StationVijayawada Junction (BZA) / Visakhapatnam (VSKP) / Tirupati (TPTY) – 20 to 55 km
Best Time to VisitOctober to April

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Andhra Pradesh region of Andhra Pradesh. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Andhra Pradesh.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Andhra Pradesh.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 285.00 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Eastern Ghats hill ranges, Nallamala dry deciduous forests, coastal mangrove deltas, and Godavari-Krishna river basins.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Teak (Tectona grandis), Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia tomentosa, Boswellia serrata, Acacia catechu, Bamboo brakes..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

  • Primary Mammals: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer (Chital), Sambar Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena, Jungle Cat, Porcupine.
  • Predators & Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena.
  • Herbivores & Ungulates: Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer, Four-horned Antelope (Chousingha), Wild Boar.
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Indian Rock Python, Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Monitor Lizard, Star Tortoise.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

  • Resident Woodland Birds: Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Grey Hornbill, Indian Peafowl, Red Junglefowl, Paradise Flycatcher, Blue-throated Barbet.
  • Raptors & Owls: Crested Hawk-Eagle, Black Kite, Spotted Owlet, Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
  • Migratory Species: Pintail Duck, Cotton Teal, Common Kingfisher, Grey Heron, Little Egret.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Godavari River delta, Krishna River, Swarnamukhi River, Penna River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Eastern Ghats hill viewpoints, ancient temples, coastal beaches.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

  • Nearest Airport: Vijayawada International Airport (VGA) / Rajahmundry (RJA) / Tirupati (TIR) – 45 to 85 km
  • Nearest Railway Station: Vijayawada Junction (BZA) / Visakhapatnam (VSKP) / Tirupati (TPTY) – 20 to 55 km
  • Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Andhra Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Andhra Pradesh.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Andhra Pradesh.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

  • Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
  • Preserves key wildlife species including Indian Leopard and native avifauna.
  • Covers an exact area of 285.00 sq km along the Godavari River delta watershed.

Last Updated: August 2026