Are you looking for a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in a serene and tranquil setting? If yes, then you should definitely visit KBR National Park, one of the most popular and picturesque attractions in Hyderabad.
KBR National Park, also known as Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park, is a national park located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. It is named after the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, who owned the park as part of his private property. The park is also known as Chiran Fort or Chiran Palace, as it houses a magnificent palace and other historical structures that belonged to the Nizam royal family.
The park is a great expanse of green situated right in the middle of the city, covering an area of about 156 hectares. It is home to a rich variety of flora, fauna, and avifauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and birdwatchers. The park also offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors, such as walking, jogging, cycling, photography, and exploring the palace and its surroundings.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your visit to KBR National Park, such as the entry fee and timings, the address and contact details, the links to book tickets and packages online, the tips, things to do, places to visit, the history and heritage, the biosphere, and the top hotel collections near the park. Read on to discover why KBR National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and history.
How to Visit KBR National Park
If you are wondering how to visit KBR National Park, here are the details you need to know:
- The entry fee for the park is Rs. 25 for adults, Rs. 10 for children, Rs. 20 for senior citizens, and Rs. 100 for foreigners. The entry fee for cycles is Rs. 2, and for cameras is Rs. 50.
- The timings of the park are from 5:30 am to 10:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on all days of the week, except on Mondays, when the park is closed for maintenance.
- The address and contact details of the park are:
KBR National Park, Road No. 2, Banjara HillS, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana - 500034
What to See and Do in KBR National Park
Once you enter the park, you will be amazed by the sight of lush greenery, colorful flowers, and chirping birds. The park is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the beauty of nature. Here are some of the tips, things to do, and places to visit in and around the park:
- The best time to visit the park is in the early morning or evening, when the weather is pleasant and the park is less crowded. You can also visit the park during the monsoon season, when the park is more green and vibrant.
- The park has a 4 km long walking track that goes around the park, offering a scenic view of the park and its surroundings. You can walk, jog, or cycle on the track, and breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature. The park also has a yoga section and an open gym area, where you can practice yoga and exercise.
- The park is a haven for birdwatchers, as it hosts around 140 species of birds, such as peacocks, parrots, pigeons, doves, cuckoos, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and owls. You can spot these birds in different parts of the park, especially near the water bodies and the trees. You can also bring your camera and capture some amazing shots of these feathered friends.
- The park is also a home to around 20 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, and 15 species of butterflies, such as mongoose, civet, jungle cat, porcupine, pangolin, cobra, monitor lizard, blue tiger, and lime butterfly. You can observe these animals and insects in their natural habitat, and learn more about their behavior and characteristics.
- The park also houses the Chiran Palace, which is the main attraction of the park. The palace was built in 1940 by Prince Azam Jah, the son of the last Nizam of Hyderabad, and gifted to his son Prince Mukarram Jah. The palace is a splendid example of the Nizam architecture, with a blend of European and Indian styles. The palace has a grand facade, a beautiful garden, and a luxurious interior, with elegant furniture, paintings, chandeliers, and carpets. The palace is also a museum, displaying the personal belongings, photographs, and memorabilia of the Nizam family.
- The park also has other structures that were part of the palace complex, such as the Mor bungalow, the Gol bungalow, the stables, the motor khana, the water tanks, and the wells. These structures are also worth visiting, as they reflect the history and culture of the Nizam era. You can also see a fleet of vintage cars that belonged to the Nizam family, such as Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, and Mercedes Benz.
- The park is also close to some of the other famous attractions of Hyderabad, such as the Hussain Sagar Lake, the Golconda Fort, and the Charminar. You can easily visit these places by taking a cab or a bus from the park. These places are also rich in history, culture, and beauty, and offer a glimpse of the Hyderabad's past and present.
The History and Heritage of KBR National Park
KBR National Park has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 18th century. Here are some of the key events and dates of the park's history:
- The park was originally a part of the Jagir (a feudal land grant) of the Paigah nobles, who were the loyalists of the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Jagir was known as Chiran, meaning "a small stream" in Urdu.
- In 1892, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, acquired the Jagir from the Paigah nobles, and gave it to his son Prince Azam Jah, who later became the heir apparent to the throne.
- In 1940, Prince Azam Jah built the Chiran Palace on the Jagir, and gifted it to his son Prince Mukarram Jah, who became the titular Nizam of Hyderabad after the accession of Hyderabad to India in 1948.
- In 1967, Prince Mukarram Jah leased the palace and its surrounding land to the Government of India for 99 years, for a nominal rent of Rs. 1 per year.
- In 1994, the Government of India declared the land as a national park, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, and named it after Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who died in 1994.
- In 1998, the park was officially inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- In 2010, the park was reduced in area from 400 acres to 156 acres, due to the construction of a flyover and a road widening project.
The park is not only a natural reserve, but also a heritage site, as it preserves the legacy and the lifestyle of the Nizam royal family. The palace and the other structures in the park are testimony to the grandeur and the glory of the Nizam era, and offer a glimpse of the Hyderabad's history and culture.
The Flora and Fauna of KBR National Park
KBR National Park is a biodiversity hotspot, as it hosts a wide variety of flora, fauna, and avifauna. The park has around 600 species of plants and trees, some of which are rare and endangered, such as sandalwood, teak, neem, bamboo, and red sanders. The park also has around 20 species of mammals, 20 species of reptiles, 140 species of birds, and 15 species of butterflies, some of which are endemic and threatened, such as peacock, parrot, mongoose, civet, jungle cat, porcupine, pangolin, cobra, monitor lizard, blue tiger, and lime butterfly.
The park is a natural habitat for these species, and provides them with food, water, shelter, and protection. The park also plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance, conserving the soil and water resources, and enhancing the air quality of the city. The park is a living laboratory for the researchers, students, and enthusiasts, who can study and observe the various aspects of the park's biosphere.
The park is also a delight for the visitors, who can enjoy the beauty and diversity of the park's flora and fauna, and learn more about their names, features, and characteristics. The park also organizes various awareness programs and activities such as birdwatching, butterfly watching, nature walks, and quizzes, to educate and entertain the visitors.
The park is a treasure trove of nature's wonders, and a source of inspiration and joy for the visitors. The park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and history, and wants to experience the green oasis in the heart of Hyderabad.
Where to Stay Near KBR National Park
If you are planning to visit KBR National Park, and looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the park, you have plenty of options to choose from. The park is surrounded by some of the best hotels in Hyderabad, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top hotel collections near the park, along with their details:
Taj Krishna Hyderabad - 4.6/5 | Rs. 7,500 | 1.2 km | Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Spa, Gym |
Park Hyatt Hyderabad - 4.5/5 | Rs. 6,000 | 1.5 km | Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Spa, Gym |
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills - 4.3/5 | Rs. 4,000 | 2.1 km | Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Restaurant, Bar, Pool, Spa, Gym |
FabHotel Hill View Guest House Jubilee Hills- 4.1/5 | Rs. 1,500 | 2.3 km | Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Laundry |
OYO 22035 Flagship Jubilee Banjara Suites - 3.9/5 | Rs. 1,000 | 2.5 km | Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Laundry |
Conclusion
KBR National Park is a green oasis in the heart of Hyderabad, offering a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, history buffs, and anyone who wants to experience the beauty and diversity of nature in a serene and tranquil setting. The park has something for everyone, whether it is walking, jogging, cycling, photography, or exploring the palace and its surroundings. The park also has a rich history and heritage, as it preserves the legacy and the lifestyle of the Nizam royal family. The park also has a wide variety of flora, fauna, and avifauna, making it a biodiversity hotspot and a living laboratory. The park also has some of the best hotels near it, offering a comfortable and convenient stay for the visitors.
Thank you for reading, and happy travelling!
