Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a mangrove forest, where the land and water meet in a unique ecosystem? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, one of the largest and most diverse mangrove forests in India.
The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located near the port city of Kakinada, on the banks of the Godavari River. It covers an area of 235 square kilometers, and hosts more than 120 species of birds, 24 species of mammals, 35 species of reptiles, and 120 species of plants. It is also a part of the Godavari Delta, which is the second largest mangrove formation in the country.
The sanctuary is named after the Coringa River, which is a tributary of the Godavari River. The river was once a major trade route for the Dutch and British colonial powers, who established their settlements and warehouses along its banks. The sanctuary also witnessed some of the most devastating cyclones and floods in the history of the region, which shaped its landscape and biodiversity.
Things to do in Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, who can enjoy a variety of attractions and activities in and around the sanctuary. Here are some of the highlights of the sanctuary that you should not miss:
1. Bird Watching
The sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers, who can spot more than 120 species of resident and migratory birds, such as pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, ibises, flamingos, ducks, and kingfishers. The best time to visit the sanctuary for bird watching is from November to March, when the migratory birds arrive from different parts of the world. The best spots to observe the birds are the watchtowers, the boardwalks, and the boat rides.
2. Wildlife Spotting
The sanctuary is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, such as the fishing cat, the smooth-coated otter, the jackal, the jungle cat, the monitor lizard, the python, the crocodile, and the frog. The best time to visit the sanctuary for wildlife spotting is from June to October, when the water level is high and the animals are more active. The best way to see the wildlife is by taking a jeep ride or a boat ride through the forest.
3. Boating and Fishing
The sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to experience the mangrove forest from the water, by taking a boat ride along the Coringa River and its creeks. The boat ride is a thrilling and scenic adventure, where you can see the mangrove trees, the birds, the animals, and the fishermen. You can also try your hand at fishing, as the river is rich in fish, such as the mullet, the catfish, and the prawn.
4. Nature Trail and Eco-Tourism
The sanctuary also has a nature trail and an eco-tourism center, where you can learn more about the mangrove ecosystem, its flora and fauna, its conservation, and its importance. The nature trail is a 2-kilometer walk through the forest, where you can see the different types of mangrove plants, such as the red mangrove, the black mangrove, the white mangrove, and the grey mangrove. The eco-tourism center is a facility that provides information, education, and awareness about the sanctuary and its resources.
Timings and how to reach Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are planning to visit the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, here are some useful tips and information that you should know:
1. The sanctuary is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day, except on Mondays.
2. The entry fee for the sanctuary is INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.
3. The boat ride charges are INR 1000 for a group of 10 people, and the jeep ride charges are INR 500 for a group of 5 people.
4. The nearest city to the sanctuary is Kakinada, which is about 20 kilometers away. You can reach Kakinada by bus, train, or taxi from different nearby cities, such as Rajahmundry, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, etc.
5. The nearest airport to the sanctuary is the Rajahmundry Airport, which is about 70 kilometers away. You can take a flight from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, or Mumbai to Rajahmundry, and then take a bus, train, or taxi to Kakinada.
6. The nearest railway station to the sanctuary is the Kakinada Town Railway Station, which is about 15 kilometers away. You can take a train from Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, or Mumbai to Kakinada, and then take a bus, auto, or taxi to the sanctuary.
Things to visit near Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is not the only attraction that you can visit near Kakinada. There are many other places that you can explore, such as:
1. Kakinada Beach
Kakinada Beach is a beautiful and serene beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. You can also visit the lighthouse, the park, and the temple near the beach.
2. Pithapuram
Pithapuram is a historical and religious town, where you can visit the famous Bhimesvara Temple, which is one of the five Pancharama Kshetras, or the five sacred temples of Lord Shiva. You can also visit the Padagaya Kshetram, which is a sacred pond where the Pandavas performed the last rites for their father, King Pandu.
3. Konaseema
Konaseema is a picturesque region, where you can witness the beauty and bounty of the Godavari Delta. You can also enjoy the rural and cultural life of the region, and taste the delicious and authentic cuisine of the area.
The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. It is a place where you can experience the beauty and diversity of the mangrove forest, and learn more about its significance and conservation. It is also a place where you can have fun and adventure, and create some unforgettable memories.
