Neyyar

 Covered with 12,000 hectares of rich vegetation, the Neyyar Wildlife 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 Activities

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.

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.

Accommodation

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 Neyyar

Location: 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.

Distance

Air: Nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (38 km).
Rail: Neyyar is 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.
Road: 21 km east of Thiruvananthapuram city, the Sanctuary is connected by a network of roads to different parts of the district.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:

Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2360762
District Tourist Promotion Council, Thiruvananthapuram, Ph: 0471-2315397