Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you’re a nature and wildlife enthusiast seeking a remarkable destination, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala is a must-visit. Encompassing 128 square kilometers, this sanctuary is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve and boasts a diverse range of fauna, including the Asian elephant, tiger, leopard, slender loris, and crocodile, as well as many bird and reptile species.

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Haven for Nature and Wildlife Enthusiasts

The sanctuary is named after the Neyyar River that flows through it, forming a reservoir with a dam built in 1958 for irrigation purposes. Today, the Neyyar Dam is a popular tourist attraction that offers boating facilities and a picturesque view of the surrounding hills and forests. Additionally, the sanctuary is home to a crocodile farm, an elephant rehabilitation center, and a lion safari park.

Explore the Lion Safari Park

At Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the primary draws is the lion safari park, where tourists can observe lions wandering freely in their natural surroundings. Covering an expanse of 16 hectares and sheltering a few lions, visitors can take a safari bus or jeep to enter the park and view the lions from a secure distance. Furthermore, the park is home to deer, bison, and other herbivores that coexist with the lions.

Experience the Elephant Rehabilitation Center

Another enticing feature of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is the elephant rehabilitation center, which was created in 1999 to provide shelter and care for orphaned, wounded, and abandoned elephants. The center has a few elephants trained by mahouts or elephant handlers. Tourists can interact with the elephants, feed them, bathe them, and even ride them. Additionally, the center conducts awareness programs on elephant conservation and welfare.

Visit the Crocodile Farm

The crocodile farm situated at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is another fascinating destination. The farm was initiated in 1977 to conserve the mugger crocodile, an endangered species. The farm comprises natural enclosures where approximately 40 crocodiles are housed. Visitors can witness the crocodiles sunbathing or swimming in the water. The farm also breeds crocodiles and releases them into the wild.

Natural Splendor of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal location not only for wildlife enthusiasts but also for nature lovers. The sanctuary is abundant with flora encompassing medicinal herbs, plantations, and meadows. Furthermore, it forms part of the Western Ghats, which is among the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The sanctuary has several trekking paths that lead to scenic spots such as Agasthyakoodam Peak and Kallar Meenmutty Waterfalls. Besides, the sanctuary has a yoga retreat center that provides courses and programs on yoga, meditation, and wellness.

Plan Your Visit to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary welcomes visitors year-round, except on Mondays, from 9 AM to 4 PM. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to February when the weather is pleasant. While the entry fee to the sanctuary is free, there are fees for activities such as boating, safari, and elephant rides. Boating fees vary depending on the boat type and ride duration, while safari fees are INR. 250 per adult, INR. 125 per child (5 to 12 years), and INR. 5 per child (below 5 years). Foreign tourists need to pay 300 INR per person. The elephant rides cost INR. 150 per person.

About 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram city, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Buses run frequently from Thiruvananthapuram to Neyyar Dam, and taxis and auto rickshaws are also available. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, which is 30 kilometers away, and the closest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, which is 33 kilometers away.

Photo Credit: Aswathy L Surendran