Kuppam: a granite quarry hub, now emerging as a peacock paradise

Published 16 July 2026 · india

Before the heavy machinery grinds in the granite hub of Kuppam in Chittoor district, a different kind of echo pierces the dawn. In Kuppam

Before the heavy machinery grinds in the granite hub of Kuppam in Chittoor district, a different kind of echo pierces the dawn. In Kuppam – where Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu meet in a jagged border – the scrape of granite quarrying is increasingly being drowned out by spectacular sightings. The peacocks have claimed the quarries, turning a landscape of blasted rock into an improbable sanctuary of iridescent blue and loud cries. From Gudupalle to Ramakuppam to the granite hills of Shantipuram to the scrub forests of Kuppam, home to the flocks of peacocks, has become the hub of conserving the Bird. The Kuppam residents point out various reasons for the rise in the count of birds, such as suitable climatic conditions and the protective nature of local farmers, over the past few years. The birds have become an integral part of the landscape in every nook and corner of rural and semi-urban areas, say the locals, while the elderly of the villages observe the development to be an exceptional feat achieved by the people of Kuppam. On the outskirts of many villages like Gudupalle, Cheldiganipalle, Nadimut, Dasegowniyur, Kothapalle, and others around Kuppam constituency, peacocks are often sighted moving closer to human habitation, as they sometimes perch on trees, fanning out their iridescent blue and green elongated tail, which the residents claim to be a “striking visual”. P. Murali Krishna Reddy, Professor of English at Dravidian University in Kuppam, says that nothing captures the imagination quite like peacock dances witnessed before and during the southwest monsoon. “Our campus has an umpteen number of peacocks. Seeing them from a distance, flying from tree to tree and rock to rock, is an experience that strengthens a feeling of love for nature among both faculty and students,” he said. ‘Peacocks outnumber people’ Referring to the teeming population of the species, youth, on a lighter note, say, “There are villages where peacocks outnumber humans”. Although there is no official census of the peacock population, the count of the Bird has increased significantly, nowhere else in the Rayalaseema region but in Kuppam, according to forest officials. During the peak summer, peacocks were often seen congregating near village tanks, farm ponds, irrigation sources, and Kuppam branch canal areas.

The Kangundi area, the erstwhile zamindari headquarters of the region, a few kilometres from Kuppam, remains the best spot to witness peacocks. “Their [peacocks'] presence is particularly mesmerising during the breeding season, when males occupy elevated rocky outcrops and display their magnificent trains,” said Lakshminarayana, a senior journalist in Kuppam. In recent years, all four mandals of the Kuppam Assembly constituency, Kuppam, Ramakuppam, Gudupalle, and Shantipuram, have become ideal habitats for peacocks to breed. Kangundi Reserve Forest, the Madanapalle Road stretch, Bairupalle border tracts, the Kuppam-Mallanur route, and rural roads towards the Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) in Karnataka are dominated by peacock sightings. “Though it is difficult to fix any figure, we can say that peacocks are everywhere. One thing is sure, Kuppam’s landscape is definitely a very safe haven for the Bird. There is no record of poaching cases. The farmers don’t harm the birds,” District Forest Officer (Chittoor) G. Subburaj says. Mythology a factor Linking the development to mythology, Mr. Subburaj says, “The religious sentiment attached to the peacock, as the bird, according to Indian mythology, was the sacred vehicle of Lord Muruga, who is named as Subramanya Swami by the people of Andhra Pradesh, shields them from falling prey to poaching practices. To substantiate the importance of these birds, there are some notable Murugan temples in the region, including the Gudivanka temple.” Temples in the Kuppam and nearby Tamil-speaking settlements maintain strong Muruga traditions. Pilgrims travelling between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu often stop at these shrines. Several elders narrate stories of peacocks appearing mysteriously near temple premises during festivals dedicated to Muruga. Whether viewed as faith or folklore, such beliefs have played a crucial role in protecting the birds. Dwindling numbers of predators Although the poaching of peacocks in the region was next to nothing, the hunting of the small foxes, a prime predator of the Bird, in neighbouring Tamil Nadu has led to an uptick in the peacock population in Kuppam. “Another important reason why peacocks are thriving in Kuppam is the ruthless poaching of the small fox, or Bengal fox, by some forest-dwellers in the north-western part of Tamil Nadu for its teeth and bones, which are believed to bring prosperity.