Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation, this sanctuary set up in 1958 is a colourful canvas of exotic flora and thriving fauna. Tropical evergreens, mixed deciduous and southern hill forests to sub-tropical savannahs and reed breaks make this Sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve. Spread over 128 sq km of forest area in the Western Ghats, it forms the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar. The Agasthyamalai, 1,890 metres high, lies within the premises of the Sanctuary and is home to a wide variety of plant species including rare medicinal plants and brilliantly coloured orchids. Animals like elephants, gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri langur etc. and a variety of reptiles including the python, viper and the flying snake inhabit this forestland.
Ecotourism
Crocodile watching, boating and trekking are some of the main activities possible here. A medicinal garden near the Crocodile Protection Centre has 178 varieties of plants. The Boat Club organizes boat rides that take visitors around at least two of the six islands, in the easily navigable Neyyar Reservoir extending 9.06 sq km. En route, can be spotted elephants, sambar, quite a few birds as well as the towering Agasthyamalai. The more adventurous can go on a safari at the Lion Park. The Sanctuary with its amazing variety of homing and migratory birds is a joy for birdwatchers. Trekking to the Agasthya Peak is possible in summer with prior permission from the Forest Department.
Wildlife
Flora
The wildlife sanctuary has a dense and substantial forest cover with only a few regions covered with grassland. Depending upon the altitude, the vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen forests to temperate grasslands. This is a paradise for naturalists and wildlife lovers. It is home to many exotic shrubs and herbs. A few plants and animals are found exclusively in the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary. The apt climate and the terrain make this place an ideal gene pool preserve.
Fauna
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by over 39 rare and common species of mammals. Elephants, Gaur, Nilgiri Tahrs, Sambars, Malabar Squirrels, Sloth bears, Jungle cats, and Wild boars are among many animals found here. Apart from the mammals, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a number of reptiles as well. These include Pythons, Flying snakes, Rat snakes, Cobras and many others.
In and Around
The Neyyar Dam site with milky water thundering down the sluices of the Dam and the adjacent park with unusual life-like statues are interesting places to see. The famous Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in Neyyar, renowned for its yoga and ayurvedic treatment, is a 10 minute walk from the Dam site.
Nearby Attractions
Crocodile Rearing Center
Here, visitors get to learn how the crocodiles are taken care of and bread.
Deer Farm
This deer farm is located near the wildlife sanctuary and is managed by the forest department. Here, you can see spotted and Sambar Deers.
Lion Safari Park
This park is famous for the wonderful lion safaris which give you can opportunity to see the wild beast in its natural state.
Climate : The climate here in Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is mostly hot and wet. It receives an annual rainfall of around 3645 millimeters. The monsoon season ranges from the months of June to July. Its winter is the most pleasing season when it is neither too hot nor to cold.
Best time to visit : The best Time to visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to March. The weather during this time is very pleasant and charming.
The Youth Hostel, Neyyar Rest House, Forest Department Inspection Bungalow, Dormitory of the Irrigation Department, KTDC's Agasthya House and the Rest House at Meenmutty are all excellent places to stay.
Accessing NeyyarLocation:
30 km east of Thiruvananthapuram via Kattakkada, the Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu.
Altitude: 1,868 m above sea level.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2360762
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2315397
How to reach the park?
By Air:Trivandrum International Airport, is 40 km away. It is the nearest railway station.
By Train:Neyyattinkara Railway Station is the nearest railway station. It is only 20 km away from the sanctuary.
By Road:You can drive down via Kattakada from the capital city.
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