Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is one the most popular sanctuaries in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The sanctuary is located on the shores of Pocharam Lake and is named after it. It is 120-km away from Hyderabad, in Medak district. The sanctuary covers an area of 130-sq-km and lies between Medak and Nizamabad districts. It was established in the year 1952 by the Nizam of Hyderabad. However, because of its floral and faunal richness the government of Hyderabad declared this sanctuary as a wildlife sanctuary. The sanctuary houses a variety of animals, birds and reptiles that attracts many animal lovers to this spot. The dense forest of the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary has diverse biodiversities that attracts people. The sanctuary serves as an important tourist destination for admirers of nature.

Flora and Fauna in Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary                                                             

Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many animals and plant species. The sanctuary is rich in flora like southern tropical mixed dry deciduous. The forest also has Babul prosopis, Pistia, Hydrilla, Eichornia and Vallisneria. It also provides shelter to many animals like Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Chowsingha, Chinkara, Hyena and Jackal, Painted Storks, herons, Coots, Teals, Cormorants, Pochards, Black and White Ibises, Spoon Bills and Open Billed Storks, and others. The sanctuary provides living ground for large flocks of migratory birds like Bar-headed goose, Brahminy ducks, Painted storks etc. Small water pools are found in the sanctuary.

The climate of the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary region is usually hot round the year. Most of the precipitation in the region occurs during the month of summer. Maximum temperatures during the long dry season in summer soars upto a stifling 44 Celsius. During the winters the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is usually mild. Thus the best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of October to May.

The Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is well communicated and is easily accessible through rail, road and air. A number of buses and private transport to the Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary are available from Macherla. This is a nearby town from where regular bus and jeep services are available to reach the sanctuary. The nearest railway stations are Hyderabad which is 150 kms away from the sanctuary. Also the Hyderabad is the nearest airport from the sanctuary.