Have you ever thought about the difference between a Zoo and a National Park? As we know that both the National Parks and the Zoos are meant for protecting wild animals. In a national park we protect the animals in their ecosystem that is a particular area which is owned by any of the states in India. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had put forward certain criteria which have to be followed by the authorities of National Park. Some of them are the national parks are opened for visitors which come there for educational, inspirational purposes, enough staffs and budgets should be available for carrying out the protection works and there should one or more ecosystem in the area which should not be altered or adversely affected by human activities.

Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is also meant to protect and preserve the ecosystem of certain species. The national park is situated near Hyderabad at a place known as Vanasthalipuram. Around an area of 3758 acres of land is being protected by Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park. It is the only forested area near Hyderabad where you could feel the calmness of the woods. It will be a good experience to spend some time enjoying the beauty of the nature. This national park is the last resort of the people of Hyderabad to escape from the squeezed up city life. This park has something to do with the great philosopher of India Mahavira who was a Jain saint, the national park is named as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali national park in order to commemorate 2500th nirvana anniversary which was celebrated in the year 1975. This national park is mainly aimed at protecting the deer. The area which is declared as national was once used by the Nizams of Hyderabad for hunting.

The state animal, black buck is protected here in this park. Some of the animals which could be seen in this national park include cheetals, wild boar, short toed eagles, cormorants, porcupines, Indian pond herons, kingfishers etc. There are facilities like sheds for taking rest, viewer’s towers for better visibility of animals, and van ride inside the park. As told earlier the national park is located close to Hyderabad and could be easily reached since it is on the Hyderabad – Vijayawada road. The distance between the national park and the Hyderabad city is around 15 kms. The Andhra Pradesh forest department is controlling the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park. Safari rides are available which would carry the passengers inside the park so that they could have a close look at the animals. Travellers need to pay a small amount for the safari ride. Information regarding wildlife protection can be gathered from the national park, so people who are doing researches on these topics also visit this place. Watch towers are available in the park which will provide a good view of the animals. In the Park there is a great nature library in which forest officials educates visitors about wildlife, green nature preservation and its problems with audio-video support.

Are you planning for a trip to Hyderabad then you should not miss the chance to visit the Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park which will give you great relief from the noisy city. This place is not only meant for recreation you could also get details about animals and their habitat and their life pattern. Park opens every day except Monday i.e. Tuesday to Sunday from 9.am to 5 p.m