Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park UPSC
The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park, also known as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary, is a national park located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
The national park was established with the aim of protecting the endangered blackbuck species, which is the state animal of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is named after Mahavir, the 24th Jain Tirthankara, and "Harina" refers to deer in Sanskrit.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is popular among nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and tourists who visit Hyderabad. It provides opportunities for wildlife sightings, bird watching, and nature walks. The park is also equipped with basic facilities such as a visitor center, watchtowers, and a deer park.
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Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Location
The Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is located at Vanasthalipuram in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is situated approximately 15 kilometers away from the city center.
The park is easily accessible by road, and there are several transportation options available to reach the national park from different parts of Hyderabad.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Nearest Airport:
The nearest airport to Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, also known as Hyderabad Airport. It is located approximately 35 kilometers away from the national park. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach the park.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park Nearest Railway Station:
The nearest railway station to Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is the Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station, also known as Nampally Railway Station. It is located in the heart of Hyderabad, approximately 15 kilometers away from the national park. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi, use local transportation options, or book a private cab to reach Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park.
Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park History
The history of Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park dates back to ancient times. The region where the park is located has been associated with wildlife and conservation for centuries. Here is a brief overview of the history of the national park:
1. Ancient Times: The area around Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park is believed to have been part of the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara, which flourished during the 14th to 16th centuries. The region was known for its rich biodiversity and was likely used as hunting grounds for the royals.
2. Hunting Reserve: During the Nizam rule in Hyderabad, the region was declared a hunting reserve for the ruling elite. It was used for recreational hunting activities, including hunting blackbucks, which were prized for their meat and antlers.
3. Wildlife Sanctuary: In 1975, recognizing the need to protect the dwindling population of blackbucks, the government of Andhra Pradesh declared the area as a wildlife sanctuary. It was named Mahavir Harina Vanasthali Wildlife Sanctuary (As a tribute to the 2500th anniversary of Mahavir’s nirvana) , combining the name of the 24th Jain Tirthankara, Mahavir, with "Harina," meaning deer.
4. National Park Status: In 1994, the sanctuary was upgraded to the status of a national park, and it became known as Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park.