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Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats, is perfect for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Covering 53 square kilometres of area, it is a vital part of Kerala’s forest system. Established in 1983, the sanctuary aims to protect the region’s rich biodiversity along with a peaceful environment. It is a refuge for various plants and animals, supporting ecological balance and sustainable development. With its evergreen scenery and chirping birds, it is, undoubtedly, the perfect place for you to soak into the serenity and charm of nature.
Quick Details About Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala 695551
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to July and September to November
Entry Fees: ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children, ₹100 for foreign nationals
How To Reach Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
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By Bus: Buses are available through the Adoor-Achankovil route, which passes by the sanctuary. Regular buses are also available from Thiruvananthapuram to Vithura, so as to help you use local transport in order to reach the sanctuary.
By Train: The nearest railway station is the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. From there, taxis and buses are available.
By Air: The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 42 km away from Peppara Sanctuary. You can take a flight to Thiruvananthapuram and then proceed to the sanctuary by road.
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Things To Do In Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Wildlife Safari
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Experience the thrill of Parambikulam’s wildlife across diverse habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands. Expert-guided safaris provide you with excellent opportunities to view elephants, Indian gaurs, sambar deer, and, with some luck, even tigers. The sanctuary enforces strict rules against activities that could disturb the wildlife, ensuring minimal disruption to their natural environment. This commitment to conservation guarantees a responsible and enjoyable visit for tourists. By focusing on preserving the natural surroundings, Parambikulam offers an enriching experience, thus allowing you to appreciate its unique flora and fauna responsibly.
2. Trekking
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There are different trekking paths in the sanctuary for both beginners and experienced trekkers. It winds through the evergreen forest and gives you splendid views of the Western Ghats. One popular route for trekking can be the way to the Ponmudi Hills, which is called the land of fascinating scenery with an invigorating climate. Trekking in Peppara not only challenges your body but also lets you enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature and see some of the plants and animals that live there.
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3. Peppara Dam Boating
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The main attraction of this sanctuary is the Peppara Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is built across the Karamana River. Reservoir boating is a calm and peaceful experience, offering different views of the surrounding forests and hills that you cannot get while driving inside the forest. The green surroundings imbued in the calm waters of the dam make the view fascinating. Hence, boating is an excellent option to relax and enjoy serene surroundings.
4. Nature Walks
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Nature walks through the Peppara Sanctuary are one of the most fascinating ways to study the biodiversity of the place. These nature walks, often provided under the guidance of naturalists, take you through different parts of the sanctuary in order to showcase the various plant species and explain their role in the maintenance of the ecosystem. Through the nature walk, you will be able to learn about the different conservation initiatives taken up in order to maintain the ecosystem of the sanctuary.
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5. Photographic Tourism
Photo: Fabrizio Verrecchia / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Peppara Sanctuary stretches across different landforms that are rich in biodiversity; and aesthetic landscapes, thereby making it a hub for photography. Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, the sanctuary has umpteen numbers of occasions to help you capture Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary photos. Whether it’s giving close shots of rarely found birds or wide-angled lens shots of dense forests and serene waters, the sanctuary has many subjects to be captured through the camera lens.
Places To Visit Around Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Ponmudi Hills
Photo: JVN5871 / Wikimedia Commons
Located approximately 55 km from the sanctuary, Ponmudi Hills is one of the beautiful hill stations with landscapes of misty peaks and lush greenery. It is, undoubtedly, a good picnic spot, with fine weather and a glistening view. Besides that, it also offers trekking potentials, sightseeing sights, and exploring abundant tea plantations. The atmosphere is calm, so this place is ideally suitable if you are looking for some peaceful time outbound.
Top Experiences: Trekking, sightseeing, and exploring tea plantations
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2. Agasthyarkoodam
Photo: Unbound Rover / Wikimedia Commons
Agasthyarkoodam has always been considered one of the famous high points in the Western Ghats, towering 1,868 metres above sea level. It is well known for its classic form of biodiversity and the home ground for unique flora and fauna. Besides wildlife, here you can enjoy some thrilling activities including trekking, bird watching, and identification of medicinal plants. This ambiance, pure in form, and natural heritage combine to make Agasthyarkoodam an ultimate place where you can associate very closely with nature.
Top Experiences: Trekking, bird watching, and exploring medicinal plants.
3. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Mirshadk / Wikimedia Commons
About 50 kilometres away from Peppara is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the essential conservation centres in Kerala. Located around a beautiful lake, this sanctuary adds its huge importance with different categories of wildlife inside it. So, if you want to cherish both adventure and serenity, this is the place to be. Besides that, wildlife safaris, boating in the lake, and a visit to the Neyyar Dam are some significant activities here. What’s more, its lush greenery and tranquil ambiance makes for a perfect milieu for all you nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Top Experiences: Wildlife safaris, boating, and visiting the Neyyar Dam
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4. Kovalam Beach
Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful coastline offers you a perfect place for repose and a chance to indulge in water sports at Kovalam Beach. Kovalam Beach is about 55 km away from Kerala. So, here you can bask in the sun, swim, and partake in water sports at this calm and peaceful place. Kovalam Beach is also a favourite destination for many because it is the only place suitable for enjoying the scenic beauty of the coastline with different kinds of activities.
Top Experiences: Swimming, sunbathing, and local seafood
Where To Stay
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If you are looking for some relaxing stays after your visit to Peppara Sanctuary, then you can head to some nearby places in Trivandrum. Ranging from hotels and resorts to treehouses and homestays, there are a plethora of stay options available here. The list of some of the best accommodations include: Maya Forest Lodge, Anantya By The Lake, Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, The Leela Kovalam, and Hotel Abhirami.
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Where To Eat
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After exploring the Peppara Sanctuary, it’s time to soothe your hunger pangs with some delicious cuisines. For that, you can head to some of the best restaurants and cafes that are meant to delight your taste buds with their preparation. You can visit places like: Cake World Vithura, Hotel Surya, Rohini International Vithura, Banyan Tree Samudra, and Queen Cakes.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of Trip
A visit to the Peppara Sanctuary will incur an expense of about ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per person including travel, accommodation, entry fee, and food.
Tips For Travellers
- Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear because if you want to enjoy trekking and nature walks.
- Carry enough water and snacks, as facilities inside the sanctuary may be less.
- Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances from animals that cross your path.
- Following rules and guidelines to the sanctuaries to make the visit safe and enjoyable.
- Using equipment such as binoculars and a camera for Arial view and capturing the moment of wild watching
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The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Kerala, makes for a great combination of adventure and peace. It is a place that caters to wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those of you who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Plan a trip with TripXL, and get ready and soak in the beauty of nature surrounding the Peppara Sanctuary.
Cover Photo: Thaiseerp / Wikimedia Commons
