Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credits: Playing Futures: Applied Nomadology
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958. Nestled in the south-east corner of the Western-Ghats, the sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar River and its tributaries, Mullayar and Kallar. It houses a number of species of flora, including some of the rare species, and this diversity makes it an ideal gene pool reserve.
The sanctuary is also known for its mammal, bird and reptile population. Around 39 species of mammals, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes have been reported from the sanctuary.
The second highest peak of Kerala, Agasthyakoodam Peak, standing at a height of 1,890 meters, towers over the sanctuary. The Neyyar Reservoir extends over an area of 9.06 sq. km and is easily navigable.
Major Attractions
Crocodile Farm: Established in 1977 at Neyyar, the farm harbours around 44 mugger crocodiles. In 2007, the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre was inaugurated at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Deer Farm and Lion Safari Park are the other major attractions of the sanctuary. Also, you can enjoy the boat ride on the placid Neyyar Lake.
Flora: Vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen forests to grasslands.
Fauna: Elephants, sloth bears, nilgiri tahrs, gaur, sambars, barking deer, indian porcupines, malabar squirrels, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, jungle cats, wild boars and nilgiri langurs.
Reptiles: Cobras, vipers, pythons, rat snakes, flying snakes and lizards.
Avian-Fauna: 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.
Exact Location: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Neyyattinkara taluk of Thiruvananthapuram in the state of Kerala.
Image Credits: Playing Futures: Applied Nomadology
Area: 128 sq. km
Route: The nearest airport and railway station are at Thiruvananthapuram (32 km). Reaching Thiruvananthapuram, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary. One can also drive down via Kattakkada from Thiruvananthapuram.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
Things to keep in mind
- The sanctuary offers facilities for the tourists to visit the lion park and also boat on the Neyyar lake