About Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary is a 130 square kilometer forest and wildlife sanctuary in Medak district, Telangana. Established in 1952 on former hunting grounds of the Nizam of Hyderabad, it is named after Pocharam Lake formed by damming the Allair River between 1916-1922. The sanctuary features mixed dry deciduous forests and serves as habitat for diverse wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, deer species, and numerous bird species.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore the sanctuary through guided safaris in their own vehicles, visit an ecotourism center with deer and antelope enclosures, enjoy boating on Pocharam Reservoir, and use nature trails and watchtowers for birdwatching. The sanctuary offers opportunities to spot various deer species, antelopes, and waterbirds around the lake islands in a dry deciduous forest setting.
Key highlights
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Former hunting grounds of the Nizam of Hyderabad established as sanctuary in 1952
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Home to five species of antelopes and deer including chital, sambar, and nilgai
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Pocharam Lake and reservoir with nine islands attracting diverse waterbirds
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Ecotourism center with deer breeding facility and educational displays
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Mixed dry deciduous forest ecosystem spanning 130 square kilometers
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Nature trails, watchtower, and boating facilities for wildlife viewing
History of Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1952 by the Nizam of Hyderabad on his former hunting grounds. The sanctuary is named after Pocharam Lake, which was created by constructing a dam on the Allair River between 1916 and 1922.
Route
| By air | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is the nearest airport, approximately 115-160 km away. |
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| By train |