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Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, Neyyar sanctuary is spread across 123 sq. km. It is located 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram. Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it is the drainage basin of the Neyyar River and its tributaries. The Neyyar reservoir is easily navigable and extends across nine sq. km. The vegetation varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands. The Agasthyakoodam hill, 1,890 metres high, lies on the premises of the sanctuary.

Flora and fauna: The common mammals found are elephants, gaur, bonnet macaque, sloth bear, Nilgiri tahr, jungle cat, wild boar, sambar deer, barking deer and Nilgiri langur. Several species of reptiles, birds, amphibians and fishes have also been sighted.

This sanctuary has a substantial natural vegetation cover. The diversity of its flora makes it an ideal gene pool preserve. A crocodile rearing centre, deer farm and lion safari park are the main attractions.

* Adventure: Trekking and boating facilities are also available. One-day trekking (Neyyar - Kombai - Meenmutty) includes boating for nine km up to Kombai and a six-km guided trekking to Meenmuty falls. A two-day trek includes an overnight halt at the camp house at Meenmutty, a guided row boating up to deer park, trekking in the forest, a visit to crocodile rearing centre and the lion safari park.

* Best time to visit: October to January

* How to get there: The nearest airport and railway station is in the city.

* By road: You can drive down via Kattakkada from Thiruvananthapuram.

Accommodation: Neyyar rest house, youth hostels and KTDC's guest houses.

For details, call the Assistant wildlife Warden, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam (post)

Thiruvananthapuram, ph: 0471-2272182.

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