Rajiv Gandhi National Park, National park in Rameswaram, Kadapa district, India.
Rajiv Gandhi National Park stretches along the north bank of the Penna River with dry deciduous forests and sandy soils throughout its area. The park shows how the river and forest ecosystems sit together in a drier landscape.
The protected area was created to honor Rajiv Gandhi, a former Prime Minister of India, and his work on environmental protection. Its founding reflects India's broader commitment to preserving natural spaces.
People in nearby villages have kept traditional ties to the land, mixing local farming with ways of using forest resources that their ancestors developed. This connection shapes how they see the park and move through it today.
The best time to visit is between October and February when the weather is cooler and drier. Getting there is straightforward using the main roads that lead to Rameswaram.
The sandy soils and river location create habitats where burrowing snakes like Russell's vipers and earth boas thrive in ways not found elsewhere. These reptiles have adapted to life in this drier setting in unusual ways.
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