Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

Total Area: 128 sq. kms
Best time to visit: October to March
How to get there Rail: Mullayar
Species found: Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur etc.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:

Nestled in the southeast corner of the towering Western Ghats, the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary a beautiful and picturesque wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, India. Spread over and area of over 128 sq km, the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is a treasure trove of rich and diverse flora and fauna. Neyyar was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, but not much was done for protection of its wildlife conservation till 1985 when a separate wildlife wing was set up to conserve its unique flora and fauna. The enchanting Agasthyakoodam Peak at an elevation of 1,890 meters and the beautiful Neyyar Reservoir extending over an area of 9.06 sq. km add more charm to this sanctuary. Neyyar Reservoir also offers excellent conditions for pleasure navigations.

The vegetation of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands according to altitude. The Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is home to a rich and diverse flora and fauna, promising a memorable experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. On your visit to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary with Kerala Backwaters, you can see a wide variety of wildlife, including Elephants, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaur, Sambars, Barking Deer, Indian Porcupines, Malabar Squirrels, Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars and Nilgiri Langurs to name a few. The sanctuary is also rich in its birds and reptiles population. Among reptiles Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Flying Snakes and Lizards are commonly found in the sanctuary. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary also attracts a wide variety of exotic birds including King Fishers, White-breasted Water Hen, Little Green Heron, Woodpeckers, Indian Cuckoos, Gray Jungle Fowl, Common Mynas, Indian Hill Mynas, Darters, Little Cormorants, Little Egrets and Brahminy Kites etc.

The Wild Population: Elephants, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle Cat, Wild Boar, Nilgiri Langur can be seen here.

This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes this sanctuary an ideal gene pool preserve.

Reaching Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: The nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (32 km away) while the nearest railhead is also at Thiruvananthapuram.

Other Attractions: A Crocodile Rearing Centre, Deer Farm and Lion Safari Park are the main attractions near the dam site