Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in Telangana. Spread across an area of 130 square kilometers, this sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. In this article, we will take you through a complete guide to Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, Telangana, covering its history, geography, climate, flora, fauna, and tourist attractions.
History of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in the year 1952. It was established to protect the rich biodiversity of the region, which was under threat due to hunting and deforestation. The sanctuary is named after the Pocharam Lake, which is situated inside the sanctuary and is one of the major attractions for tourists.
Geography and Climate of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Medak district of Telangana, approximately 115 kilometers from Hyderabad. The sanctuary is located at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level and is surrounded by hills and forests. The climate of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is tropical, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
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Flora of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora, including dry deciduous forests, teak forests, thorn forests, and grasslands. Some of the common tree species found in the sanctuary include teak, neem, bamboo, and sandalwood.
Fauna of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the common species found in the sanctuary include sloth bears, leopards, hyenas, Indian porcupines, sambar deer, spotted deer, and blackbuck. The sanctuary is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 120 species of birds recorded in the region.
Tourist Attractions in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of tourist attractions for visitors. Some of the popular attractions in the sanctuary include Pocharam Lake, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kothur, Kondapochamma Sagar, and Pillalamarri.
Accommodation Options Near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
There are several accommodation options available for visitors near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options include Haritha Lake View Resort, Nandi Valley Nature Camp, and Silver Oak Farm.
How to Reach Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from Hyderabad, which is approximately 115 kilometers away. The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, and the nearest railway station is Kamareddy, which is approximately 30 kilometers away.
Best Time to Visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the flora and fauna are at their best. It is recommended to avoid visiting the sanctuary during the monsoon season, from June to September, as the region receives heavy rainfall, making it difficult to explore the sanctuary.
Entry Fees and Timings of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
The entry fee for Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign nationals. The sanctuary is open for visitors from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm every day.
Do’s and Don’ts in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors are advised to follow some basic do’s and don’ts while visiting Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the do’s include carrying a camera and binoculars for wildlife watching, following the instructions of the forest officials, and wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. Some of the don’ts include littering, smoking, and making loud noises, which can disturb the wildlife and affect their natural habitat.
Safety Measures in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors are advised to take some safety measures while exploring Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary. Some of the safety measures include staying in groups, avoiding getting too close to the wild animals, and following the instructions of the forest officials. Visitors are also advised to carry sufficient food and water while exploring the sanctuary.
Things to Carry in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Some of the essential things that visitors should carry while exploring Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary include a camera, binoculars, comfortable clothes and shoes, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, and sufficient food and water.
Here is a complete guide to Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Flora and Fauna: Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to over 100 species of birds, including the Indian roller, painted stork, and open-billed stork. It is also home to animals such as the spotted deer, blackbuck, wild boar, and jackal. The sanctuary also has a rich collection of plant species, including teak, bamboo, and eucalyptus.
- Things to do: Visitors can engage in various activities such as bird watching, nature walks, and trekking. The sanctuary has several nature trails that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. Visitors can also take a boat ride in the Pocharam Lake, which is located within the sanctuary.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to March when the weather is pleasant, and the animals are active.
- Entry fee and timings: The entry fee to the sanctuary is Rs. 10 per person, and the timings are from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- How to reach: Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 120 km from Hyderabad and is well connected by road. Visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi from Hyderabad to reach the sanctuary. The nearest railway station is located in Kamareddy, which is about 20 km away from the sanctuary.
Tips for visitors:
- Carry comfortable shoes and clothing for trekking and nature walks.
- Avoid littering and maintain the sanctity of the sanctuary.
- Do not disturb the animals or their habitats.
Conclusion
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts in Telangana. With its diverse range of flora and fauna, stunning natural beauty, and a range of tourist attractions, the sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. It is important to follow the guidelines and safety measures while exploring the sanctuary to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
FAQs
- Is it safe to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary? Yes, it is safe to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, provided visitors follow the guidelines and safety measures.
- What is the entry fee for Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary? The entry fee for Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 20 for Indian nationals and INR 100 for foreign nationals.
- What are the popular tourist attractions near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary? Some of the popular tourist attractions near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary include Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Kothur, Kondapochamma Sagar, and Pillalamarri.
- What is the best time to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary? The best time to visit Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March.
- What are the accommodation options available near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary? There are several accommodation options available near Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options include Haritha Lake View Resort, Nandi Valley Nature Camp, and Silver Oak Farm.