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Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram. The place spans a natural vegetation area of around 12,000 hectares. One can enjoy a chance to view rare flora and fauna endemic to the region alongside numerous exciting trekking trails. A popular picnic spot located inside the sanctuary is the Agasthyamala Peak which offers an exotic view of flat meadows and fragile slopes.
Location Of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Mirshadk / Wikimedia Commons
Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary is the drainage basin for the river Neyyar and its tributaries Kallar and Mullayar. The place is located in the Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division in Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
How To Reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Votv007 / Wikimedia Commons
The nearest railway station to the wildlife sanctuary is Thiruvananthapuram Central which is located about 32 km away. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport which is around 38 km away from the sanctuary.
Things To Do In Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
There are several activities that one can enjoy when visiting Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary ranging from adventurous to peaceful.
1. Bus Safari
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One can enjoy a 2-hour bus safari inside the wildlife sanctuary in a forest department vehicle and a boat ride to the island. One gets the opportunity to experience the natural vegetation cover of the area that supports diverse animals like elephants, tigers, leopards, macaques and many more. During the safari, one also gets the chance to visit an elephant rehabilitation centre, a lion park and a crocodile farm.
Cost/Person: ₹250 for adults, ₹125 for children and ₹300 for foreigners
2. Visit The Elephant Rehabilitation Centre
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Home to several elephants, the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre is located right inside the wildlife sanctuary. The centre takes care of these gentle giants tending to their injuries and wounds. One can also enjoy a playful session with the elephant calves. Along with this, one can also enjoy the opportunity of feeding elephants and elephant riding with family at the rehabilitation centre.
Highlight: A playful session with the elephant calves
3. Guided Trekking Tours
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There are two guided trekking programmes that one can choose when visiting the wildlife sanctuary. The first is a one-day trek which is around 6 km long that starts with a boat cruise from Kombai followed by a trek through Meenmutty Falls that cuts through dense forests and tribal villages. The second trek involves an overnight stay at the Meenmutty camp with the Kombai boat cruise and a trek to Meenmutty Falls and Theerthakkara Puivizhuthan Chuna area.
Cost/Person: ₹4000 onwards
Places To Visit Near Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
In addition to the attractions offered by the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one can visit several other places of interest near it.
1. Agastya Mala
Photo: Ajay Kuyiloor / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Agastyakoodam, Agastyamala is a bird watcher’s paradise with the deep forests being home to several exotic birds. Named after the popular sage Agastya, the peak is also a popular pilgrimage site for his devotees. The place is home to several rare medicinal herbs that were originally discovered here. The air of the peak itself is said to have medicinal properties. To trek to the peak, one needs to first get a pass from the forest department as only a few people are allowed to go up to the peak at one time.
Elevation: 1868 m
2. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanteri Ashram
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Established in 1978, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram is near the wildlife sanctuary. The place has an ideal atmosphere for practising meditation and yoga. A friendly and warm environment helps people develop positive thinking and inner peace. Several sessions and courses run in the ashram that are related to classical and contemporary yoga techniques.
Things To Do: Yoga, Meditation
3. Banatheertham Falls
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Located inside the Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves, Banatheertham Waterfall is a natural silver cascade that is quite famous for its white water and medicinal properties. One can enjoy a herbal bath here. Not known to many, this waterfall is less crowded than other popular waterfalls in the area and has a stunning ambience that makes for a great visit. The falls were also featured in the hit film ‘Roja’ that was shot here and contributed to the fame of this place.
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
4. Neyyar Dam
Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
Neyyar Dam is a quiet gravity dam located on the Neyyar River amidst breathtaking natural scenery. It was established in 1958 and is a regular picnic spot among tourists and locals alike. The forest around the dam offers some stunning trails that take one deep into some stunning lesser-explored places. The Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of eco-tourism activities for a person to enjoy such as boating, trekking and camping.
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
5. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Shadow auror / Wikimedia Commons
Named after the Peppara Dam in Thiruvananthapuram, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife haven. One can see herds of sambar deer, elephants, barking deer and wild boars roaming around freely here. Several endemic wildlife species such as white-bellied treepies, Small sunbirds and Malabar Grey Hornbills have also been sighted here. One can also enjoy a 5 km trek to Vazhvanthol Falls to capture some beautiful views on the lens.
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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There are several government guesthouses, resorts, and hotels located near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary where one can enjoy a comfortable stay. Some popular options located in the vicinity are Anantya by the Lake, KTDC Tamarind, Canan Lake Home and Soma Palmshore.
Where To Eat
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Several small eateries and restaurants are located near the sanctuary where one can enjoy multi-cuisine dining as well as simple South Indian fare. Some famous restaurants located here are Vismaya Restaurant, Mullapanthal Restaurant, Banyan Tre Samudra and Neyyar Seafood Restaurant.
Tips For Travellers
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- Avoid wearing bright-coloured clothes when visiting the forest area. Wear brown, green or khaki.
- The lake is home to many crocodiles. Avoid swimming in the same.
- Wear comfortable shoes for trekking.
- Always carry your umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen and an extra set of clothes for any emergency.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular picnic spot for families as well as adventure tourists. The place has many facilities and features that one can visit such as a deer park, crocodile farm, elephant park, lion safari park and many more. Add this forest haven to your Kerala trip and enjoy a slice of unexplored forest heaven complete with picturesque surroundings and rare flora and fauna surrounding the area.
Cover Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
