Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary, Protected wildlife sanctuary in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Sri Penusila Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh, covering dry deciduous forests, hills, and valleys. The terrain shifts between dense woodland and open hillsides, creating varied conditions that support a range of plant and animal species.
The area was originally known as Veliconda Wildlife Sanctuary before being renamed and formally recognized as a protected site following the rediscovery of a rare bird in 1994. That event drew wider attention to the conservation value of this part of Andhra Pradesh.
The sanctuary takes its name from Narasimha, a deity widely venerated in this part of Andhra Pradesh, and a temple dedicated to this god sits within the protected area. Pilgrims and visitors often share the same paths, giving the place a dual role that is visible to anyone who walks through it.
The cooler months are generally the best time to visit, as the vegetation thins out and animals are easier to spot. Early mornings tend to offer the most activity, especially for birdwatching along the forest trails.
The Jerdon's courser, a bird thought to be extinct for over a century, was rediscovered in this region in 1986, years before the area received formal protection. It remains one of the very few places on earth where this nocturnal bird has been recorded since.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
