Last updated: 2026-09-20
Most riders who pick up a bike from our garage near the Vizag Railway Station point their front tires toward the hills. Araku Valley, Borra Caves, Lambasingi, or a sunset spin down the beach road past Rushikonda to Bheemunipatnam—those are the default weekend routes. We love those rides as much as anyone, but between October and March, something extraordinary happens in the opposite direction.
Roughly 165 kilometers north of Visakhapatnam, in the coastal wetlands of Srikakulam district, thousands of spot-billed pelicans and painted storks descend on a quiet village called Telineelapuram. They fly all the way from Siberia, Russia, Hungary, and parts of Southeast Asia to nest, breed, and raise their fledglings before flying back across continents before the peak summer heat sets in.
If you want a one-day or overnight ride that combines smooth NH16 tarmac, rural Andhra coastal backcountry, and a world-class wildlife spectacle, a bike trip to Telineelapuram bird sanctuary vizag travelers often overlook is easily one of the best winter day rides in the region.
The sanctuary sits near Tekkali, tucked between the highway and the Naupada salt swamps. Because it lies along the Golden Quadrilateral corridor, the road condition for 85% of the trip is excellent four-lane national highway.
Vizag (Railway New Colony) → Anandapuram → Ranastalam → Srikakulam bypass → Narasannapeta → Tekkali → Telineelapuram
Total distance is roughly 165 km one-way. On a comfortable 150cc to 350cc motorcycle, you are looking at approximately 3.5 to 4 hours of saddle time, depending on how long you stop for breakfast and fuel.
We always advise our customers to leave Vizag early—around 5:30 AM is ideal. Getting past the city perimeter through Maddilapalem and Anandapuram junction before the local container trucks and city commuter traffic pick up saves you at least 30 minutes of clutch-slipping frustration.
Once you clear Anandapuram, the highway opens up into fast, rolling stretches past lush green fields and granite hillocks. The early morning air along this northern corridor carries a crisp coastal chill during winter, so bring a light windcheater or riding jacket.
Don't stop at the generic highway food plazas right outside the city. Instead, push for about 75 km to Ranastalam or the outskirts of Srikakulam town. The highway dhabas and local tiffin centres here serve authentic coastal Andhra breakfasts—piping hot upma-pesarattu, crispy vada, and strong filter coffee that will keep your energy sharp for the rest of the run.
After Narasannapeta, keep an eye out for the Tekkali turnoff. From Tekkali junction, a narrow but well-paved rural road branches east toward Naupada. As soon as you peel off the main national highway, the noise drops away, replaced by swaying palmyra trees, freshwater tanks, and vast open wetlands.
Unlike commercial bird sanctuaries with ticket plazas and concrete promenades, Telineelapuram is remarkably raw and intimate. The birds nest directly in the canopies of massive mesquite, tamarind, and banyan trees standing right inside and along the borders of the village.
For decades, the local villagers have protected these migratory guests like family, believing their arrival brings good rains and prosperous harvests. When you pull up on your bike and kill the engine, the first thing that hits you isn't visual—it's the sheer wall of sound. The clattering bills of thousands of painted storks, the deep guttural grunts of pelicans, and the high-pitched calls of chicks create an unforgettable natural orchestra.
The Watchtower: The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department maintains an elevated watchtower that puts you at eye level with the upper branches. This gives you unobstructed views of mother pelicans feeding their hatchlings.
The Naupada Swamps Extension: If you have an extra hour, ride another 10 km down the road toward the Naupada salt pans and Bhavanapadu creek. You will spot sandpipers, egrets, herons, and occasional flamingos picking through the shallows.
The birds begin arriving in late September and October to scout nesting grounds. Courtship, nest-building, and egg-laying happen through November and December. By January and February, the nests are bursting with active chicks, making this the peak window for wildlife watchers. By late March or early April, once the young birds learn to fly and the coastal heat builds, they depart on their return migration.
Since the majority of this ride is spent cruising at 70–90 km/h on NH16, stability and upright seating posture matter more than high-speed agility.
1. Pack binoculars: Even though the trees are close, having a compact pair of 8x or 10x binoculars makes all the difference when observing nesting behavior.
2. Carry cash: Small roadside tender coconut stalls and local dhabas off the main highway in Srikakulam district sometimes have spotty mobile network coverage for UPI payments.
3. Keep your distance and respect the village: Park your bike in designated clearing areas and avoid revving excessively near the nesting trees. The birds are sensitive to loud, sudden engine noises.
4. Plan your return before dark: NH16 between Srikakulam and Anandapuram sees heavy interstate truck traffic after sunset. Head back out by 3:00 PM so you reach Vizag city limits in broad daylight.
You don't need a full week off to experience Andhra Pradesh's best nature corridors. An early morning start on a well-maintained motorcycle is all it takes to trade the city buzz of RK Beach or Kailasagiri for the wild calls of Siberian pelicans.
At Ever Green Travels, all our bikes are thoroughly serviced, inspected, and handed over with clean helmets and complete paperwork so you can focus entirely on the open road. Check out our fleet page to pick your motorcycle for the weekend.
Our office is located at Railway New Colony, just 5 minutes away from the Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Give us a call on 9603888055, or send a WhatsApp message to 7993288216, to reserve your bike today.
Serving Vizag since 2013 from Railway New Colony, near Visakhapatnam Railway Station. Call or WhatsApp 9603888055.