Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary - Wildlife in Kerala
The pristine beauty and elegance of nature can be well experienced at the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. Situated in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a picturesque location with the majestic Neyyar Dam in the close vicinity.
The serenity and isolation offered by the Neyyar Dam amidst a charming lake and lovely surroundings attract a lot of tourists. Concealed amid the lush Western Ghats, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls across an area of 128 sq. Km. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1958 and is so wealthy with the presence of a wide variety of flora and fauna including rarest natural herbs and wildlife species.
Speciality
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes 12,000 hectares of vegetation cover.
- The famous Agasthyamala peak lies in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for Elephants, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion, Tiger, Sloth bear, Leopard, Crocodiles, and Gaur.
- There is an Ashram situated near this sanctuary which is famous for Ayurveda treatment and yoga.
Flora and Fauna:
The expansive natural vegetation cover of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary consists of mixed deciduous forests, tropical evergreen forests, and subtropical savannahs. It also has beautiful grasslands and various plantations along with 1000 species of flowering plants. The peak of Agasthyamala which is situated near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary has large varieties of plant species that have medicinal properties. Chiloschista Glandulosa, Eugenia floccose, Poeciloneuron Pauciflorum, Humboldtia, Ardisia Missionis, Eugenia Discifera, Polyscias Acuminata, Eulophia Cullenii, Paphiopedilum, Hetaria Ovalifolia, etc are the various plant species found here.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 39 species of mammals, 217 species of birds, 27 species of fishes and 13 species of amphibians. Elephant, tiger, sloth bear, leopard, Nilgiri marten, lion-tailed macaque, gaur, leopard cat, toddy cat, jungle cat, wild boar, dhole, sambar deer, pangolin, bonnet macaque, small Indian civet, flying squirrel, hare, Mongoose, porcupine sloth are the animal species inhabited in this sanctuary. The rare species of Nilgiri Tahr is also spotted in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Tourist Places
- Neyyar Dam: Neyyar Dam is a beautiful location that fills your eyes with the view of the lofty Western Ghats soaked in gorgeous green and the sprawling sanctuary.
- Crocodile Farm: The Crocodile Farm near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was set up to preserve crocodiles and it houses 20 mugger crocodiles.
- Lion Safari Park: The Lion Safari Park near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to watch lions in their natural habitat.
Activities
- Explore the sanctuary.
- Spotting crocodile.
- Trekking.
- Sit back and relax at the shady areas of the Sanctuary.
- Jungle Safari.
- Boating.
- Photography.
- Shopping.
Best time to visit
November to March.
Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary Overview:
- Best time to visit: September to March.
- Opening Closing Time: 8 AM to 7 PM.
- Visiting hours: 4 to 5 Hrs.
- Famous for: Nature and wildlife lovers.
- Entrance Fee: Neyyar Dam: Free of charge.
- Shopping: Souvenirs, local products.
- Activities: Boating, photography.
- Adventure: No adventure activities.
- Relaxation: Relax some time at the Dam premises.
- Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: For Indians: INR 250. For Foreigners: INR 300. For Children(5 to 12 years): INR 125. For Children(below 5 years): INR 5.
- Availability of Guides: A trip with a travel agency to Trivandrum will include guides to the Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary.
Way to Reach
By Air - Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 33 Km.
By Rail - Trivandrum Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 32.2 Km.
By Road - Trivandrum Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Neyyar wildlife sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 30.3 Km.