If you wish to spend some peaceful memorable moments with your loved ones amid lush surroundings, head to Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary. Around 35 km from Trivandrum, Neyyar Dam is quite famous as a picnic spot. Lion Safari Park, close to the dam is quite popular, This Park has around seven lions, roaming freely in their natural habitat. Bus service is managed by the Kerala Forest Department so that the visitors can watch these lions closely. Deer Park and Crocodile Park are the other attractions here. You can also enjoy boat cruise in the Neyyar Dam reservoir. Savor the peace spread all around and admire the lush greenery.
Close to it is Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most popular wildlife reserves in Trivandrum. Established way back in the year 1958, this wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 12000 hectares. It is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve lies within the wildlife sanctuary at an altitude of 1890 meters. It is a treasure trove of a huge variety of several species of plants that are known to possess medicinal plants. Another highlight of this reserve is a wonderful collection of colorful orchids. It is also a part of UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
During wildlife safari in Neyyar wildlife sanctuary, spot animals like Nilgiri langue, barking deer, tiger, Bonner Macaque, elephants, gaur, Nilgiri tahr, slender loris and sloth bear, along with reptiles like viper, flying snake, Travancore tortoise king cobra, and python. The dam is a part of the wildlife sanctuary. Crocodile breeding center can be an interesting visit.
Things to do
Trekking, boat riding, wildlife safari, picnicking and crocodile watching are the popular activities here. One can also visit the medicinal garden, near the Crocodile Protection Centre. It has as many as 178 varieties of plants. Boat rides are offered by the Boat Club, during which the tourists are taken to the two islands, out of six, in the Neyyar Reservoir. Spot colorful birds, and animals like sambar and elephants, along with Agasthyamalai peak.
For the slightly more adventurous souls, there is a lion safari at the Lion Park. Trekking to Agasthya Peak is also a popular activity in Neyyar wildlife sanctary. This can be done during the summer season but first it is necessary to take permission from the Forest Department.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (32 km).
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport (38 km).
