Nallamala, closed in breeding season, reopens today

Kurnool: Nallamala Tiger Reserve Sanctuary, closed for three months from July 1 to September 30, which is the breeding season of tiers, will reopen on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

The decision to temporarily close Nallamala Tiger Reserve and restrict traffic is to avoid any disturbance that could obstruct the reproductive season of tigers. Tigers have a gestation period of 16 weeks – lasting between 93 days to 112 days.

Nallamala is part of the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) spanning across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is home to a significant tiger population. As per the recent 2022 wildlife census, there are 75 tigers within the NSTR. It covers approximately 5,937 square kilometres, with the core forest area being around 2,550 square kilometres.

During the closure period, several locations within the tiger reserve, including temples and ecotourism centres, are temporarily shut for visitors. These include Ishtakameswari Devi Temple in Markapuram forest division, Rudrakoduru and Gundla Brahmeswaram shrines in Velugodu, Bairluty Jungle Safari, Tummalabayalu Ecotourism Centre in Markapuram division, and Jungle Safari.

With the breeding season concluding, nature enthusiasts can once again explore the breath-taking beautiful sites within the Nallamala forest, including the wildlife.