Located near the Kakinada port is the Coringa Sanctuary. It lies in the East Godavari District near the Bay of Bengal. The total distance is around 20 km from Kakinada and 70km from Rajahmundry. The sanctuary is famous for reptiles and salt water crocodiles. The delta part of the Godavari forms the total area of the sanctuary. Some part of it also has the mangrovesunder it. In the year 1978 in July it was declared as a sanctuary and work was started to conserve its mangrove forests. The sanctuary is surrounded by huge mango trees on all sides. The weather is very humid. The sanctuary receives thousands of visitors all over the world visiting it.

History:

In July 1978 the park was declared a sanctuary, work started to preserve the mangrove vegetation that is found here and save the flora and fauna of the sanctuary.

Weather and Best time to visit

The climate of the sanctuary is very hot and humid. It has temperatures ranging from 15 degrees to 45 degrees. The sanctuary receives plenty of rainfall as well. It gets about 80% of the rainfall. In the north east monsoon it gets about 500 mm of rainfall.  The best time to visit this sanctuary is during the months of October up till May. The weather here is very pleasant and breezy during these months. It is a delight to visit the sanctuary during this time as one gets to see the animals in their natural surroundings.

How to reach

By Air:

Rajahmundry is the closest airport to the sanctuary. It is at a distance of 70 km away from the park.

By Rail:

Kakinada is the nearest railway station to the sanctuary.

By Road:

The sanctuary is well connected by the road ways. It is about 70 km away from Rajahmundry and around 20 km from Kakinada. The services of the state buses also ply between the sanctuary and the nearby cities. The Kakinada- Yanam route well connects the sanctuary by road.

By Sea: Also accessible by sea, since the Bay of Bengal is present here. It has the port of Kakinada present.

Location Map

Wildlife

The sanctuary is very rich in terms of flora and fauna. The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its mangroves. The mangoes are segregated into thirty five different varieties. They belong to 24 families of mangoes. The mangroves have adapted them very well to the surroundings of the sanctuary. A wide variety of herbs and shrubs is found here in the sanctuary. Olive Ridely sea turtles are what the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for. The nesting path is about 18 km long and is beautiful. The sanctuary is famous for its varieties of birds. There are nearly 125 species of birds that are found here. The different species that are found here are the serpent Eagle, the Indian Roller and the Kingfisher. The major attractions found here in the sanctuary are presence of different endangered and protected species of animals. The mangroves help in supporting the biodiversity of the sanctuary. The salt watercrocodile is what makes the sanctuary so famous. There are different species of salt watercrocodiles that are found here. There are numerous shrubs and herbs growing here as well. They add to the beauty of the sanctuary.

Flora

The mangroves have got rich vegetation because of the presence of the river Godavari. There are around 35 different varieties of plants that are found here. There are many plant spices are also found here. There are shrubs as well like Dalbegia and Trifoliate.

Fauna

Because of the presence of the mangroves and the feed viable in the forest the sanctuary has a very healthy and blooming fauna.  The park also has a few endangered species also living here. Animals like the vulture, the long billed vulture and the Pochard are also found here. There are around 120 different species of birds that are found here. The sanctuary is home to a lot of mammals and birds. The park also has a fair quantity of turtles and crocodiles. The Olive Ridley sea turtles nest here in the sanctuary. The season for nesting is during the months of January up to March. There are many species of tigers, bears and deer that are found here. If one is lucky you could spot a few animals drinking water from the rivers in the sanctuary premises. Elephants and wild boars are also found in great numbers.

Where to stay:

There are a lot of options to stay here in the sanctuary. There are a lot of forest rest houses as well. Staying here is a good idea as the lodging is very comfortable. The best place to stay is at Kakinada since it is very close to the sanctuary. Other than Kakinada, Rajahmundry is also a very good place to stay. One could stay and spend an entire day at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

For information on accommodation and other related queries please contact on the given number and address below:

Contact

Divisional Forest Officer, (Wildlife Management),

Rajahmundry, East Godavari District

Phone: - 0883-2478643,

Forest Range Officer, Kakinada, Phone:-0884 2367460.

Mailing Address:

1. Forest Authorities

The conservator of forests,

Rajahmundry Cirle,

Rajahmundry.

Phone no: 0883 - 2444247

2. Divisional Forest Officer,

Wildlife Management Division

Opp. Govt. Arts College

Rajahmundry.

General Information

The forest rest house is a very good place to say. They are centrally located at the cities of Kakinada and Rajahmundry. The best times to visit the sanctuary is during the month of October up to May. The weather here is usually very humid. The sanctuary is a great way to learn about the flora and fauna of the park. Thousands of tourists visit the park every year. One could also take a private vehicle as personal vehicles are not allowed inside the park. Theprivate tours take you on a guided tour of the entire sanctuary. One gets to see a lot of natural beauty in the sanctuary.

Photo Gallery