Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam is a rubble masonry gravity-type dam located on the Neyyar River in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. It is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats and is about 30 km away from Thiruvananthapuram town. It has a height of 56 m (184 ft) and a length of 295 m (968 ft). The Neyyar Dam is a source of irrigation water and supplies drinking water to the surrounding areas. It is also used for generating hydroelectric power with a capacity of 15 MW.

Neyyar Dam was built in 1958 over the Neyyar River and is a popular picnic spot. The dam has a scenic lake that adds to its attraction as a tourist destination. The Neyyar Dam is surrounded by lush green forests and is located near the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The administrative complex of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 1 kilometer west of Neyyar Dam outside the sanctuary complex and offers facilities for tourists to visit the lion park and boat on the Neyyar River. The sanctuary also offers various activities for visitors, such as boating, trekking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Neyyar Dam is a great place to visit for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and spiritual seekers alike. The dam offers activities such as boating, Crocodile Rehabilitation, and Research Centre, Elephant riding, a Watchtower, a Garden, an Aquarium, a Deer park, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram which offers yoga courses and meditation programs, etc. The entry fee for Neyyar Dam is INR 10 and one has to pay separately for parking, boating, wildlife sanctuary, and to enter the forest.

The boat club is being run by DTPC from 10 AM to 5 PM daily, and safari boats and high-speed boats are available for visitors. The rates for these rides are as follows: the speed boat, which accommodates three people, costs ₹ 750 for 10 minutes, while the safari boat, which accommodates six people, costs ₹ 750 for 20 minutes and ₹ 1100 for 30 minutes. A more detailed fee structure can be found on the DTPC’s official website. It’s a great location to spend an evening, whether with your loved ones or alone. The area is well-maintained and has small shops offering snacks and beverages.

One of the main attractions of the location is the view of the water flowing from the dam structure, which is both calming and mesmerizing. The multiple parks inside the location are well-maintained with lawns and shady benches for relaxing and enjoying nature. Stairs lead to the top of the dam, where a watchtower provides a 360-degree view. A KTDC restaurant is also located at the top, offering great food and service at nominal rates. The restaurant also boasts a stunning view. The location has safe, shaded parking for cars. Spending more than half a day here with friends and family is recommended to enjoy the view of the dam, reservoir, lawns, and forests surrounding the area.

The best time to visit Neyyar Dam and the Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to February when the weather is pleasant. It is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day and is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is located 38 kilometers away and the nearest railway station is at Thiruvananthapuram Central which is located 30 kilometers away from the dam. One can opt for a public transport bus, autorickshaw, or taxi to reach Neyyar dam from the airport, railway station, or bus station.

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