ROLLAPADU in Andhra Pradesh five hours drive from Hyderabad and only just one hour from Kurnool, has some times been called as the AFRICAN SAWANA’S. Rollapadu is known for its rich ultimate grassland eco-system, well preserved, only few grass lands in the country, where the Bustard can live in peace.

Today the Great Indian Bustard survives precariously in few isolated pockets in six Indian states, i.e Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, & Madhya Pradesh in very few in numbers.

The Great Indian Bustard Ardeotis Nigriceps, Endemic to the Indian sub-continent, is one of the endangered and attractive bird in the world.

Rollapadu is an excellent sighting ground for the Great Indian Bustard home for more than 100 birds. Dry open grass lands, yet serene. Beautiful, yet deadly. Mysterious, yet reveling. Such is the experience as you wonder through these alluring majestically swaying and dancing grasslands to the rhythm, with the cool and gentle singing breeze. The uniqueness of Rollapadu is a small habitat supporting more number of endangered species like Great Indian Bustard, Black Buck, Indian Wolf,and Indian Fox. Etc;.

WHAT TO SEE IN ROLLAPADU

When you drive through Rollapadu you will see heard of Black buck running across your jeep and at times they can attain a speed of 80 miles/hr. It is one
of the fastest running antelope. It is amazing to see the leaping distances for the black buck one after the other while they cross the road or when they are being
chased by wolfs. When they are in playful mood they jump in rhythmically high in the air like a ball (Dance) which can be observed from a respectful distance.

Females with there fauns without horns with shining golden brown & white color combination look very attractive during early morning & evening sun rays. However the male black bucks are very beautiful with deep blackish brown and pure white combination coat like a English man in a suite, with big black beautiful eyes with long sharp twisted and tapered horns.

Bustard bird resembles like a young Ostrich of Africa with deep buff colored wings with black sides and conspicuous black-crusted crown an out stretched neck which is white in color with self design and the white under parts with beautiful long legs walks gracefully in the meadows keeping its head high looking at the sky like a royal queen in the jungle. It is a ground bird occasionally its flights & landing are beautiful sights for the viewers.

Forest Dept. guides accompany visitors around the park as mapped-out circuits, which enable viewers to see good cross section of Rollapadu sanctuary’s wildlife. Best areas are the meadows around the Rollapadu, where heard of black buck and Indian fox can be seen through out the day.

Great Indian Bustard and wolf are sighted on regular basis in the open grassland, with the help of guide and binoculars are must.

FAUNA OF ROLLAPADU:
Indian wolf, Jackal, Indian fox, Black buck, Hare, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, Harriers, Horned Owl, Sandgrouse, Indian courser, Cobra, Rock Python, Russel’s viper, Saw scaled viper and moniker lizard. Flamingoes, Barheaded geese, Pinkheaded Duck, Mountain Quail, Jerdon’s Coursers, Forest Spotted Owlet, and Demoiselle Cranes migrate to Rollapadu areas in winter.

MUST SEE PLACES:
Sanjeeva Raya Temple
Telugu Ganga balancing reservoir
Deep Cut Cannel
Gadwal handloom village
Local markets of Midtoor

BINOCULARS & CAMERA ARE INVALUABLE AIDS.

please visit the place and give your view
suresh babu,
Ultimate Eco-Friendly Writer.
sureshbabu_travelwriter@yahoo.co.in