Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, India
Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Andhra Pradesh, India, covering hilly landscapes with dry forest and open spaces. The reserve borders the neighboring region of Tamil Nadu and forms a continuous natural habitat for migrating animal species.
The area was placed under protection in the late 20th century to secure migration routes for Asian elephants between different forest regions. This measure aimed to maintain the connection between the eastern and western mountain ranges of southern India.
The name comes from the Koundinya River, which runs through the area and forms pools where animals gather. Visitors can watch elephants come to these water sources in the early hours to drink.
Access is mainly through organized guided tours offered between October and March, when temperatures are milder and animals become more active. Early morning hours provide better sighting opportunities, as many species come to the water sources then.
The sanctuary extends across two states and reaches into the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu. This extension creates a natural corridor through which elephants can move between different ecosystems.
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