The forests, wetlands, grasslands and coastal habitats of Andhra Pradesh will take centre stage at Hawa Mahal this weekend.  A wildlife photography exhibition at Hawa Mahal on October 3 and 4 will showcase 150 photographs documenting the varied biodiversity of Andhra Pradesh. 

Organised by WildVizag in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), the exhibition is being held as part of World Wildlife Week 2026. It will bring together 23 wildlife photographers from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with their photographs offering glimpses of the State’s forests, protected areas, habitats and wildlife.  

The exhibition has been planned as an information-rich display rather than a collection of photographs alone. A dedicated display on various wildlife sanctuaries of Andhra Pradesh will explain their ecological significance and the species they support. 

“The idea is to showcase the rich biodiversity of Andhra Pradesh and spread awareness. The show is intended to help visitors understand the forests and protected areas behind the photographs and the conservation work being undertaken there,” says Arunkumar Thyadi, a documentary filmmaker who has been closely associated with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department.  

A significant component of the exhibition will come from the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve team. Visitors will be able to see some of the equipment used by forest personnel in the field, including surveillance cameras, drones, tranquilisers, camera traps and other specialised gadgets and equipment. The display will offer an insight into the practical side of wildlife monitoring and protection, complementing the photographic account of the State’s biodiversity. 

Picture taken by Ramana Bhusala to be displayed at the photography exhibition in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
Ramana Bhusala

Among the individual displays, Arun Thyadi’s Project Black will draw attention to one of the less understood groups in the wild: snakes. The project documents 18 species of snakes found in Andhra Pradesh, bringing together species as different as the king cobra and the Brahminy blind snake, one of the smallest snake species. The collection is expected to provide visitors with a closer look at the diversity of snakes found across the State and the habitats they occupy. 

The exhibition will also include a souvenir stall offering caps and T-shirts. 

 
Dates: October 3 and 4 
Venue: Hawa Mahal, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam 
Time: 10am to 8pm