Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled amidst the south-east part of the Western Ghats, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the prime destinations for wildlife tours in Kerala. The wildlife sanctuary, located in Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, is the abode of thriving flora and lush green fauna. A number of exotic plants and animals are found here. The sanctuary gained its status in the year 1958. Thus, it is one of the oldest wildlife preserves in Kerala. The sanctuary is spread over 12000 hectares of prosperous vegetation. It is shelter for numerous strikingly beautiful and endangered species of animals. This is one of the most frequented wildlife reserves in India, because of its interestingly bio-diverse nature. Though this place was declared a sanctuary in year 1958, not much was done in the direction of protection and conservation until 1985, when a separate wing was constructed for the same.

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.