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Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary
Introduction
Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is a premier protected wildlife reserve located in Andhra Pradesh, safeguarding rare bio-regions and indigenous forest species.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Andhra Pradesh |
| Districts | Forest Division of Andhra Pradesh |
| Year of Notification | 1978 (Wildlife Protection Act) |
| Total Area | 194.81 sq km |
| Landscape | Estuarine mangrove delta, intertidal mudflats, tidal creeks, sand bars, and coastal lagoon ecosystem. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Krishna River estuarine channels and Bay of Bengal creeks |
| 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 |
| Best Time to Visit | October 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 194.81 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Estuarine mangrove delta, intertidal mudflats, tidal creeks, sand bars, and coastal lagoon ecosystem.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Avicennia marina (White Mangrove), Avicennia officinalis, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia apetala, Aegiceras corniculatum, Excoecaria agallocha, Heritiera fomes (Sundari)..
Fauna
The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:
- Primary Mammals: Smooth-coated Otter (flagship species), Fishing Cat, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer (Chital), Bonnet Macaque.
- Predators & Carnivores: Fishing Cat, Smooth-coated Otter, Golden Jackal, Jungle Cat.
- Herbivores & Ungulates: Spotted Deer (Chital), Wild Boar.
- Reptiles & Amphibians: Saltwater Crocodile, Water Monitor Lizard, Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, Cobra, Indian Python.
Other Wild Animals & Avifauna
- Resident Woodland Birds: Spot-billed Pelican, Asian Openbill Stork, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Little Egret.
- Raptors & Owls: White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Osprey, Marsh Harrier.
- Migratory Species: Pintail Duck, Northern Shoveler, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Gull, Tern.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Krishna River estuarine channels and Bay of Bengal creeks.
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 Krishna 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 Smooth-coated Otter (flagship species) and native avifauna.
- Covers an exact area of 194.81 sq km along the Krishna River estuarine channels and Bay of Bengal creeks watershed.
Last Updated: August 2026