About 30 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamilnadu. Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it covers an area of 128 sq. km. Even though it was declared a sanctuary in 1958, the wildlife conservation had not been taken place in a proper manner and in 1985, a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum.
A popular picnic spot, the sanctuary boast a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, Crocodile farm, Lion safari park, Deer park and Agasthya malai 1,890 metres high. Located at the foot of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary occupies the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. More than 3000 belonging to the 'Kani Tribe' inhabits in this sanctuary. With the aim of conservation of bio - diversity, ECO Development Committee was started and conducts different eco tourism services from trekking, boating, nature camp and elephant safari. For every trekking package, half of the time is for boating.
A one day trekking route from Neyyar to Meenmutty includes a boating for 9 km upto Kombai. From Kombai a 12 km guided trekking to Meenmuty falls. The trek starts at 8 am from the dam site and ends 5.30 in the evening. During this trek package, one can see 'Athirumala' a base camp for the pilgrims to Agasthyakoodam. The Cost is Rs. 400/per person and a maximum of 10 persons can go for trekking at a time. A two day trek includes an overnight halt at the camp house at Meenmutty, a row boating up to deer park, trekking in the dense forest, a visit to Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre and the Lion safari park. (Note : Due to Boating tragedy in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, all trekking and boating activities is indefinitely stopped till May). For more information contact 0471- 2272182.
The sanctuary houses a Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre which was set up in memory of Australian crocodile hunter and animal conservationist Steve Irwin. Also called the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, it has been set up as per the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. Started in 1977 near the forest's boat club in Neyyar as part of a national programme to conserve crocodiles, the 2.5 hectares of land now houses marsh and 44 mugger crocodiles found in the marshlands of the area. The center is open to the public. A life-size plaque of Irwin with a crocodile at the entrance of the centre greets visitors.
About 30 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary stretches from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamilnadu. Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it covers an area of 128 sq. km. Even though it was declared a sanctuary in 1958, the wildlife conservation had not been taken place in a proper manner and in 1985, a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum.
A popular picnic spot, the sanctuary boast a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape, Crocodile farm, Lion safari park, Deer park and Agasthya malai 1,890 metres high. Located at the foot of the Western Ghats, the sanctuary occupies the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. More than 3000 belonging to the 'Kani Tribe' inhabits in this sanctuary. With the aim of conservation of bio - diversity, ECO Development Committee was started and conducts different eco tourism services from trekking, boating, nature camp and elephant safari. For every trekking package, half of the time is for boating.
A one day trekking route from Neyyar to Meenmutty includes a boating for 9 km upto Kombai. From Kombai a 12 km guided trekking to Meenmuty falls. The trek starts at 8 am from the dam site and ends 5.30 in the evening. During this trek package, one can see 'Athirumala' a base camp for the pilgrims to Agasthyakoodam. The Cost is Rs. 400/per person and a maximum of 10 persons can go for trekking at a time. A two day trek includes an overnight halt at the camp house at Meenmutty, a row boating up to deer park, trekking in the dense forest, a visit to Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre and the Lion safari park. (Note : Due to Boating tragedy in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, all trekking and boating activities is indefinitely stopped till May). For more information contact 0471- 2272182.
The sanctuary houses a Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre which was set up in memory of Australian crocodile hunter and animal conservationist Steve Irwin. Also called the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, it has been set up as per the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority. Started in 1977 near the forest's boat club in Neyyar as part of a national programme to conserve crocodiles, the 2.5 hectares of land now houses marsh and 44 mugger crocodiles found in the marshlands of the area. The center is open to the public. A life-size plaque of Irwin with a crocodile at the entrance of the centre greets visitors.
Geography
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the Basin of Neyyar River, which is formed because of the merger of Neyyar River and its tributaries Mullayar and Kallar. The beauty of this sanctuary is further adorned with a couple of water reservoirs, namely Agasthyamalai and Neyyar Reservoir. The remarkable Agasthyarkoodam Peak is located in this part of Kerala. It has an elevation of 1,890 meters. The stunning Neyyar Dam Reservoir extends over an area of 9.06 sq. km. This place has varied topographical features extending from rivers to plateau to mountain peaks.
Flora
The vegetation of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary varies from tropical wet evergreens to temperate grasslands, depending on the altitude of the part of the sanctuary. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a retreat for naturalists and wildlife lovers alike. The area is thickly occupied by assortment of exotic vegetations and shrubs. A few of the plants and trees which are found exclusively in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are rare species. Most of the parts of this sanctuary are covered with dense vegetation. There are even fewer parts which are covered with grassland. The diverse nature of its flora makes this sanctuary an ideal place for a gene pool preserve.
Fauna
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a home to over 39 species of preserved and common species of mammals. These include Elephants, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaur, Sambars, Barking Deer, Indian Porcupines and Malabar Squirrels are the predominant animals found here. You can also spot Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars and Nilgiri Langurs in the park. The sanctuary is an abode for a number of reptiles and avifauna too. Among reptiles Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Flying Snakes and Lizards are commonly found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of exotic birds, including King Fishers, Indian Cuckoos, White-breasted Water Hen, Little Green Heron, Indian Hill Mynas, Woodpeckers, Gray Jungle Fowl, Little Cormorants, Common Mynas, Darters, Brahminy Kites and Little Egrets etc.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a national wildlife preserve which offers a large number of opportunities to the people who like indulging in activities other than sightseeing. A crocodile farm is located by the sanctuary where you learn how the beasts are bread and taken care of. There is a deer park located in close proximity of the sanctuary. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its lion Safari Park, which is situated inside the sanctuary. You can always enjoy boating on Neyyar Lake. You can also try trekking on Agastiar Peak, which is really exciting as you come across a variety of small animals during your trek.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the Basin of Neyyar River, which is formed because of the merger of Neyyar River and its tributaries Mullayar and Kallar. The beauty of this sanctuary is further adorned with a couple of water reservoirs, namely Agasthyamalai and Neyyar Reservoir. The remarkable Agasthyarkoodam Peak is located in this part of Kerala. It has an elevation of 1,890 meters. The stunning Neyyar Dam Reservoir extends over an area of 9.06 sq. km. This place has varied topographical features extending from rivers to plateau to mountain peaks.
Flora
The vegetation of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary varies from tropical wet evergreens to temperate grasslands, depending on the altitude of the part of the sanctuary. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a retreat for naturalists and wildlife lovers alike. The area is thickly occupied by assortment of exotic vegetations and shrubs. A few of the plants and trees which are found exclusively in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are rare species. Most of the parts of this sanctuary are covered with dense vegetation. There are even fewer parts which are covered with grassland. The diverse nature of its flora makes this sanctuary an ideal place for a gene pool preserve.
Fauna
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a home to over 39 species of preserved and common species of mammals. These include Elephants, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaur, Sambars, Barking Deer, Indian Porcupines and Malabar Squirrels are the predominant animals found here. You can also spot Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars and Nilgiri Langurs in the park. The sanctuary is an abode for a number of reptiles and avifauna too. Among reptiles Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Flying Snakes and Lizards are commonly found in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of exotic birds, including King Fishers, Indian Cuckoos, White-breasted Water Hen, Little Green Heron, Indian Hill Mynas, Woodpeckers, Gray Jungle Fowl, Little Cormorants, Common Mynas, Darters, Brahminy Kites and Little Egrets etc.
Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a national wildlife preserve which offers a large number of opportunities to the people who like indulging in activities other than sightseeing. A crocodile farm is located by the sanctuary where you learn how the beasts are bread and taken care of. There is a deer park located in close proximity of the sanctuary. Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its lion Safari Park, which is situated inside the sanctuary. You can always enjoy boating on Neyyar Lake. You can also try trekking on Agastiar Peak, which is really exciting as you come across a variety of small animals during your trek.
Special Attractions:
One day trekking – Neyyar – Kombai – Meenmuty (Boating 9km, upto Kombai and guided trekking to Meenmuty falls (6km).
Two day trekking (boating 9km , upto Kombai and guided trekking to Meenmuty falls & to Theerthakkara – Puivizhuthan Chuna
(12km) overnight half at camp house Meenmytty and back Guided row boating up to deer park, trekking in forest Visit Crocodile
rehabilitation center, Deer park, Lion safari park etc.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 32 km
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 38 km
Approach: By Road –Kattakkada – 11 km. .
Thiruvananthapuram - 30 km .
Contact Address:
The Wildlife Warden,
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division
Forestry Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar
Vattiyoorkavu PO, Thiruvananthapuram
Phone: 0471 2360762
Email: ww-tvm.for@kerala.gov.in
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