Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park


Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is a deer national park located in Vanasthalipuram, Saheb Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. It is spread over 13,758 acres. It is the largest green lung space in the city of Hyderabad.

History

The park was named after Mahavir, a Jain saint, in commemoration of his 2500th nirvan anniversary in the year 1975. The place where the park is located was once a private hunting ground for the Nizam, rulers of Hyderabad. A deer park was set up in order to preserve this precious heritage and rehabilitate it.
It was donated by the nizam to establish a national park.

The Park

Animals living in this national park include a few hundred blackbucks, porcupines, water monitors, short-toed eagles, Indian pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and several other bird species.

Ecotourism

Mahavira Harina Vanasthali is located in the outskirts of Hyderabad, on Hyderabad - Vijayawada road. It is easily approachable from the city. The park is maintained by the TS Forest Department. Guided tours are available within the park.
There is an entry fee for people who wish to enter the park by safari vehicle to view the animals.

Flora