Andra Pradesh

Talakona:

Talakona is located 59 km. from TIRUPATI, famous pilgrim centre in Andhra Pradesh. This area was declared as biosphere reserve during 1989-90 on account of rich variety of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic(available only in this area). I visited Talakona with family very recently after having darshan of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala.
The Talakona forests host certain rare, threatened and endangered animal species like Slender Loris, Indian Giant Squirrel, Mouse Deer, Golden Gecko etc. Panther, wild Boar, Sloth Bear, Porcupine, Chital and Sambar are also present. We could spot Jungle Fowl and Giant Squirrel during our half a day trekking and wandering. The guides told that Elephants started visiting this area these days and they are using this as corridor connecting Koundinya wildlife sanctuary. Endemic species like Red Sanders, Cycas beddomeii and Enteda (giant climber/Liane with 1 metre long fruits) are available here. Sandalwood is also available. This area is also known for valuable medicinal plants.

Kapila Theertham:

The Holy Temple of Kapila Theertham is the Only Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in over a 50 mile radius of the Holy temple Cities of Tirupati and Tirumala that abound with temples of the Vaishnavait Deity Vishnu. This Huge temple stands at the entrance to a Mountain Cave in one of the steep, vertical faces at the foot of the Amazing hills of Tirumala, where the Waters of the Hill stream of Paapa Vinasanam fall as a huge waterfall. A huge stone statue of a seated bull "Nandhi", Lord's Shiva's steed, greets devotees and passers-by at the entrance to the temple.

One of the Holiest of Hindu saints, saint Kapila Maharshi, was said to have lived here and worshipped, meditated in this very cave before the idol of Lord Shiva and hence the name "Kapila theertham", the word "theertham" meaning a Holy lake or Holy pond that formed due to the waterfalls.

Ethipothala Falls:

Just about 11 kms from the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam are the Ethipothala waterfalls on the Chandravanka river, a tributary of the river Krishna. Amidst beautiful scenic surroundings you can marvel at the shimmering water as it cascades down 70ft into a lagoon.The picture postcard beauty of the place with verdant valleys together with numerous cave temples that dot the hilly countryside have made this a favourite picnic spot. Ethipothala also boasts of a crocodile breeding center where you can get a fascinating glimpse of these reptiles from close quarters and observe their fascinating habits in their natural habitat.