Sri Venkateswara National Park is situated in the Chittoor and Cuddapah districts of Andhra Pradesh, about 10 km away from Tirupati. It covers an area of about 353.62 sq km.

About the park
The park was notified a national park in the year 1989. It is named after Lord Venkateswara, who is referred to as ‘the Lord of Seven Hills' in the Hindu mythology.

Flora
Redsanders, Shorea, Redsanders, Lac tree, Syzygium alternifoliumm, Tamba Jalari, Terminalia pallida, Queen Sago, Gymnosperm, etc. are the prominent flora and foliage of the park.

Fauna
The important animal species are Tiger, Panther, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Spotted Deer, Bison, Indian Giant Squirrel, Tree Shrew, Indian Giant Squirrel, Bonnet Monkey, Ibex, Nilgai, Wildboar, Flying Lizards, Wild Dogs, etc. The park is quite popular among the tourists for its endangered species of golden Gecko and slender lorises.

Avian Fauna
The park is home to different bird species which include Indian Roller, Ashy Crowned Finch Lark, Crested Serpent Eagle, White bellied Woodpecker, etc.

Tourist information
Accommodations for tourists are available at Forest Rest Houses at Tirupati and at Rajampet. Resorts and luxury hotels are available at Tirupati. Entry permit for entering the park can be obtained from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
The magnificent waterfalls of Sri Venkateswara National Park which include Gundalakona, Gunjana and Talakona are worth visiting. During the forest excursion it is advised to follow the designated paths and not take shortcuts. Feeding of wild animals, carrying transistors, making noise and littering within the park is strictly prohibited.

Getting there
The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Tirupati and the nearest standard railhead is located at Hyderabad. The closest bus terminal is located at Tirupati. The park can also be directly reached from Chennai, which is approximately 160 km away.

General information Sri Venkateswara National Park, Tirupati, Kadapa - Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Best time to visit the park: November to January
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