Introduction

Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary is about 30 kilometers (18.75 miles) east of Trivandrum at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is about 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Trivandrum airport and 32 kilometers (20 miles) from the central railway station. A charming dam site, the region is a treasure trove of some rare medicinal herbs. The adjacent Neyyar Lake is ideal for a boat ride and opens up glorious panoramic vistas of the dense wilderness and the dark silhouette of the Western Ghats in the backdrop. This dam was built in 1958 on the basins of the three main rivers namely Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses the Dam and is an abode of wild animals such as elephants, wild buffaloes, sloth bear, wild boar, porcupines, jungle cats, tigers and snakes among others. Scale up the watchtower offering a grand panoramic view of the jungle, and keep a look-out for the elusive Nilgiri Tahr, gaur and Nilgiri Langur among others. You could even chance upon a herd of wild elephants or sambhar deer as they graze with gay abandon. Keep your binoculars handy at all times, from such an elevation it is easy to spot wildlife while not alarming them.

The crocodile farm is a great pleasure for reptile lovers. Outside of that, there is a lion safari park and deer park around which you can ride a jeep and spot wildlife. Nonetheless, the Neyyar Dam remains a major draw to the sanctuary, with the Neyyar Lake adding a sense of tranquility to the sumptuous wilderness. You can enjoy boating on the crystal-clear waters of the reservoir and capture the jungle from a different perspective. The Neyyar Dam supports a large population of crocodiles and otters. You will notice that the garden at the dam site is speckled with larger than life statues to add a bit of drama to the surroundings.

Spread across 128 sq. kilometers, the sanctuary encompasses hilly terrain and forested landscape, predominated by the Agasthya Malai peak at an elevation of 1868 meters (6227 feet). The sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. Mean summer temperature in the region is around 35 degree centigrade, and winter temperature 16 degree centigrade. The average rainfall from the southwest monsoon that lasts from May to July, and the northeast monsoon between October and November, is around 3000 mm. The best season to visit the sanctuary is from November to March.

The administrative complex of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is about a kilometer west of Neyyar Dam outside the periphery of the sanctuary. The place also has a visitor information centre, staff quarters, rest house and a youth hostel. You can stay overnight at the rest house on the fringes of the Neyyar Dam after seeking prior permission from The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) or The Wildlife Warden, Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division, Vattiyoorkavu P.O, Thiruvananthapuram.

The jungle offers a quiet retreat away from the bustling metropolis of Trivandrum.

Special Attributes

The park is famous for the watchtower, crocodile farm, lion safari park and deer park.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress up in light cottons as it can get humid inside the forest. Avoid wearing bright colored clothes as they alarm most wild animals. And don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes.

Connectivity

Private taxi

Enjoyed by

Backpackers, especially nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts

Exposure

You will be inside a dense jungle, hence not direct exposure to sunshine. You are, however, advised to carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

You can enjoy boating on the reservoir. Besides, there is a visitor information centre, rest house and watchtower. You can also take up jungle safari.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Morning is the best time to explore the sanctuary and enjoy a picnic at the dam site by Neyyar River.

Type of site

Dam site and wildlife sanctuary