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Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Cuddled up in the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a colourful canvas of exotic flora and thriving fauna. The sanctuary set up in 1958 is 12,000 hectares in area with rich vegetation and is one of the most frequented and beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. The sanctuary is in the drainage basin of the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The intrinsic beauty of the sanctuary is further augmented by the Agasthyamalai and Neyyar Reservoir. The fascinating Agasthyarkoodam peak here has an elevation of 1,890 metres and the beautiful Neyyar Dam Reservoir extends over an area of 9.06 sq. km.

The woody forests and hills of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offer shelter to a large variety of flora and fauna. The wildlife includes elephants, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaurs, Sambars, Barking Deers, Indian Porcupines, Malabar Squirrels, Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars and Nilgiri Langurs.

The sanctuary, with its amazing variety of migratory birds. is a joy for birdwatchers. The exotic birds that the sanctuary hosts include Kingfishers, White-breasted Water Hen, Little Green Heron, Woodpecker, Indian Cuckoo, Gray Jungle Fowl, Common Myna, Indian Hill Myna, Darter, Little Cormorant, Little Egret and Brahminy Kite. Apart from these, we can also find some rare reptile species like cobras, vipers, pythons, Rat Snakes and Flying Snakes. The diversity of the flora and fauna makes the sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve.

Crocodile watching, boating and trekking are some of the main activities possible here. The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park.

Getting there:
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km)
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central (30 km away)

Contact:
The Wildlife Warden,
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division,
Vattiyoorkavu P.O.,
Thiruvananthapuram.
Tel: +91 471 2360762