Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the southern region of the Western Ghats, on the western slope of the Thiruvananthapuram district, and is a part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary covers an area of 53 sq. km. of forest and includes the Peppara reservoir which spans over 5.82 sq. km. The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a sanctuary in 1983.

The sanctuary is part of the Western Ghats, one of the 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, and is an abode of a number of medicinal herbs. The widely distributed Arogyapacha (Trichopus Zeylanicus) is one of the much sought-after medicinal herbs which is noted for its anti-fatigue properties. The topography of the sanctuary is generally undulating with gentle to steep slopes and Chémmuniimottai being the highest peak in this tract. The climate is moderately hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 35°C.

The sanctuary is contiguous with the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu and the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala. The sanctuary is named after the Peppara Dam which was built in 1983 to supply drinking water to Thiruvananthapuram city and its suburbs. The tribals living in the forests belong to the ‘Kani’ tribe, known for their knowledge of traditional medicines and handicrafts made from bamboo, reeds, and rattans.

The sanctuary is unique with a number of endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna, including western ghats endemics like Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Marten, etc. A large number of threatened species of flowering plants are also identified here, with 15% of the species being endemic. There is an abundance of orchids in the sanctuary with 125 species recorded. Wild animals such as Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, Sambar Deer, Wild Boars, Mouse Deer, Wild Dogs, Malabar Giant Squirrels, Toddy Cats, Pangolin, etc. are common in this sanctuary.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary offers various activities for visitors to enjoy its natural splendor. You can go for a trek along the trails that lead to scenic viewpoints like Chemmunjimottai Peak or Vazhvanthol Waterfalls. You can also take a boat ride on the Peppara Reservoir and admire the serene landscape around you. Nature awareness camps for school children are a regular program in this sanctuary, and guided trekking programs for one or two days are organized by the Eco-Development Committees (EDC), which include facilities such as trekking, camping inside the forests, etc., guided by experienced EDC members. There are overnight stays arranged at specific camping sites located at Pandipathu, Karlakode, etc.

The sanctuary also provides immense opportunities for visitors to watch birds and butterflies, and take a dip in the serene natural streams visitors can also visit nearby attractions like Ponmudi Hill Station Bona Falls or Agasthyarkoodam Biosphere Reserve for more adventure and exploration. Overall, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect destination for you if you are looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature.

While The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to February, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors throughout the year, from 9 am to 5 pm. The entry fee for the sanctuary is INR. 50 per person for Indian nationals and Rs. 150 per person for foreigners. One can reach Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary easily by road. The nearest airport and railway station are located in Thiruvananthapuram which is 35 kilometers away from the sanctuary.