The main species of fauna found here is the endangered Black Buck, the state animal of Andhra Pradesh.
There are over 400 black bucks (Amtelope Cervicapara), about 500 Cheetals and large herds of wild boar.
Common animals seen here are monitor lizards, mongooses, porcupines besides a variety of snakes. Several species of birds like Partridges, Quails, peacocks, Doves, pond herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and birds of prey like kites, vultures etc are found here.
A variety of migratory birds of over 80 species can also be seen round the year. Short-toed Eagle is another rare species nesting in this area.
There are rest sheds and observation towers for viewing the animals inside the park.The park is open every day of the week except Mondays from 9.a.m. to 5 p.m.
The forest Department offers audio-visual education on nature and wildlife and is supported by a good nature library.
There is an exhibition hall displaying exhibits explaining intricate problems of wildlife conservation.
The park was named after Mahavir, a Jain saint, in commemoration of his 2500th birth anniversary in the year 1975.
Once the Nizam's (former Hyderabadi rulers) hunting grounds, it is now home to the beautiful black bucks with their spiral horns along with several species of birds.
The deer park maintained by the Forest Department, has an undulating terrain, of 189 hectares dominated by acacia trees and grasslands.
The park looks picturesque in the monsoon with the golden and white flowers of these trees on the lush green carpet of grass. Besides Acacias, neem, Bauhinias, Buteas ( Flame of the forest) and a variety of thorny scrub species are found in this dry scrub forest.
Mahavira Harina Vanasthali is located in the outskirts of Hyderabad, on Hyderabad - Vijayawada road AT distance of about 15-km FROM Hyderabad. It is easily approachable from the city.
The park is maintained by the Forest Department. Guided tours are available within the park.There is a shuttle service that take the tourists and visitors on guided tours, this also allows people to get up close to the blackbucks.
There is an entry fee for people who wish to enter the park by van or by car. Visitors can also climb a tower to view the animals.
