Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Highlights

Spanning across an area of 128 square kilometers, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

After the construction of the Dam in River Neyyar, the catchment area of the Reservoir was declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1958, which is known to be as Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Reception
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Reception

The River Neyyar originates from the Agasthyamalai peak, which the legends say is the home of sage Agasthya who is considered to be one of the seven rishis of Hindu Puranas. The water in Neyyar is therefore considered as Ghee and hence the name 'Neyyar' was proclaimed('Neyy' in Malayalam means Ghee).

Neyyar Sanctuary also forms the core area of Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve with Agastyavanam Biological Park and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary on the North and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu on the eastern side. The important Peaks in the sanctuary are Agasthyarkoodam(1868m), Athirumala(1594m) and Varayattumudi(1420m).

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boating
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Boating

Read more: Kerala Forest Trekking Packages from Kerala Forest Department

Flora & Fauna:

The floral diversity in Neyyar WLS is very high and it is estimated that nearly 1000 species of flowering plants are identified in the sanctuary. 12% of the identified plants are endemic to the region and many of which are endangered. About 125 different species of orchids have been recorded from the sanctuary.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to 217 species of birds, 109 species of butterflies, 46 species of reptiles, 43 species of mammals, 27 species of fishes and 13 species of amphibians.
Major Mammals include Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Sloth bear, Elephant, Gaur, Nilgiri tahr, Sambar deer, Mouse deer, Wild boar, Barking deer,Pangolin, Slender loris, Lion-tailed macaque, Bonnet macaque, Nilgiri marten, Nilgiri langur, Smooth-coated Otter, Toddy cat, Small Indian civet, Jungle cat, Leopard cat, Malabar giant squirrel, Flying squirrel, Porcupine,Mongoose Sloth bear, Hare, etc.

Neyyar Dam Boating & Lion Safari Park:

One can avail boat ride at the reservoir which provides a panoramic view of Neyyar Dam and its catchment areas. Crossing the Neyyar River over the boat once can get into the Lion Safari Park. Lion Safari park is situated at Marakkunnam Island, which is a fenced island covering an area of 10-acres.

4 Asiatic Lions with 3 female & 1 male lions((last updated: 04-Nov-2017) are present inside the Lion Safari Park. Neyyar WLS offers a Bus ride inside the fenced forest, which is one of its kind in Kerala

We had a safari at Lion Safari Park on 04-Nov-2107, in which we spotted 3 female Asiatic Lions. For more details, please check out the below video:

https://youtu.be/UWFezDTcyJo

Deer Park & Crocodile Rehabilitation center:

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Lion Safari Park Deer Park
Deer Park Neyyar WLS

Apart from Lion Safari Park, Neyyar WLS also consists of Deer Park & Crocodile Rehabilitation center. The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre was initially named after the late naturalist Steve Irwin as Steve Irwin National Park but was changed to Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre after getting a legal cease-and-desist notice alleging the violation of intellectual property rights from Irwin's estate.

Climate:

Three rivers namely Neyyar, Mullayar, and Kallar meet here. The climate is moderately hot with temperature ranging from 20c to 35c and September - February is the most appropriate season to visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Read more: Kerala Forest Stay Packages from Kerala Forest Department

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking & Visting Packages:

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Provides various packages for its visitors which includes Boating, visit Lion Safari park, Trekking & Camping in Neyyar etc. More details can be found at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking Packages

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fees:

 Per Person Rate
Adult Rs. 250/-
5 to 12 years Rs. 125/-
Below 5 years Rs. 5/-

Facts about Neyyar WLS:

Name: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Name in Malayalam  നെയ്യാർ വന്യജീവി സങ്കേതം
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Other Names:  Nil
Best time to visit Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: September - February
Temperature:  20*c to 35*c
Area: 128 sq. km
Established in: 1984
Nearest Bus Station: Kattakkada (about 11 km.)
Nearest Railway Station:  Thiruvananthapuram (about 33 km.)
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram (about 43 km.)

How to Reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Neyyar Sanctuary is 30kms from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and KSRTC operates frequent bus services from Thiruvananthapuram & Kattakada to Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Contact Number:

Wildlife Warden
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division
Social Forestry Complex
PTR Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram -695013
Ph: 0471 - 2360762

or

Assistant Wildlife Warden
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Neyyar Dam P.O. - 695573
Kattakkada, Thiruvananthapuram
Ph: 0471-2272182
Mob: 7025006757
Mob: 8547602955

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