Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the popular sanctuaries in Telangana. Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Jannaram 50-km from Mancherial, Adilabad District and is 260-kms from Hyderabad. The sanctuary was established in 1965 to safeguard the endangered species in their natural habitat. Due to its rich bio diversity it was thus declared as a wildlife sanctuary later and was originally managed as a `Game Reserve`. The sanctuary is rich in teak forest, bamboo and various other birds and animals.
The climate in the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is usually hot and dry, except during the months of June to September. Thus this particular period is the best time for a visit to the Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary. The government has also provided ample facilities for accommodation hence tourists put up in the Forest Guesthouse at Jannaram.
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 893-sq-km. The Sanctuary is visited by many tourists from far off places. It has two watch towers that provide eye-catching view of the birds, animals and the impressive surroundings.
Flora and Fauna of Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary is rich is flora and fauna. The sanctuary houses dry deciduous teak forest, bamboo and miscellaneous species of flora. Tourists visiting this sanctuary can also get a glimpse of the variety of species of animals like Cheetal, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Indian Bison, Sloth Bear, Panther, Tiger, Lions, Pumas, Jaguars, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear and lesser carnivores like the Wolves, Jackals, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Hippopotamus, Elephant, Spotted Deer and Thamin Deer etc. The Crocodile Complex has all the three Indian Crocodile species. The sanctuary also houses many birds like partridges, peacocks, quails, vultures, eagles, kites, owls, Mynahs, pigeons and kingfishers. Apart from these the sanctuary also provides shelter to many reptiles like Python, Crocodile, Star Tortoise, Cobra, Water Monitor Lizard, Snakes, Land Tortoises, Terrapins, Monitor Lizards and others.
Kawal Wildlife Sanctuary houses many different species of monkeys like the common Langur, Rhesus monkey, Bonnet Monkey and other exotic fauna like Mandrills, Olive Baboons etc. There is a varied collection of birds like Grey Pelicans, Rosy Pelicans, Pied Horn Bills, Painted Storks, Peacocks, Ducks, Love Birds, Budgerigars and Cockatiels form the bird collection of the Zoo. Many migratory birds can also be seen here during the winter months.