Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary is well-known for its Lion Safari Park. Visitors can view the rare Asian animals, including lions, in the safari parks. This sanctuary for wildlife is the site of over 100 species of fauna and flora. The sanctuary is located in the southeast part of Western ghats within the State of Kerala.
The sanctuary is more than 128 km of land. The sanctuary was granted the designation of a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, however, the conservation started in the year 1985. Because of its stunning surroundings, this sanctuary is appealing to those who love nature.
The sanctuary is getting well-known among tourists due to its well-preserved wildlife thick forests, and high elevations.
The highest point of Agasthvamalai is an important landmark in Neyyar the wildlife refuge, which is situated at an elevation of 1868 meters. The wildlife sanctuary is home to an exceptionally lush natural plant life area.
The diversity of the flora makes it a beautiful preserve of the gene pool. The vegetation ranges here from grassland to different plants. Due to the diversity of the fauna, the park is home to the healthiest population of wildlife.
Due to the topographic and diverse climate, the sanctuary is home to a high percentage of endemism. It is predicted that 1,000 varieties of flowers will be seen in the sanctuary.
Medicinal herbs in Neyyar Nature Reserve :
Neyyar nature reserve is home to the rarest medicinal plants. The sanctuary houses many plants like poeciloneuron pauciflorum, Eugenia floccose, Humboldtia, ardisia missionsis, Eugenia discifera and chiloschista glandulosa. polyscias acuminata as well as eulophia curllenii, paphiopedilum, hetaria ovalifolia, and numerous others. Medicinal herbs are useful in treating many illnesses. Thanks to these medicinal herbs thousands of Ayurveda, biology, and students visit the wildlife sanctuary each year.
Wildlife in the Neyyar Sanctuary:
The sanctuary is home to more than 39 mammal species and 217 species of birds and 13 amphibians species along with 27 different species of fish. Important habitats for wildlife include sloth bears, tigers, and leopards. Niligiri gaur, tahr the wild boar and dhole and sambar deer, lion-tailed macaque. Tourists may also spot other mammal species such as pangolin and bonnet macaque. Niligiri marten toddy cat and a small Indian leopard cat the flying squirrel monkey goose, porcupine, and others. The regular sightings of tigers are a strong indicator of the quality of habitat and prey population. The rare Niligiri Tahr population is growing within the sanctuary.
Major attractions in and around Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Neyyar dam is a very sought-after picnic spot because of its picturesque position. The dam is perfect for boat rides and provides a panoramic view of the vast forest as well as the darkness of the Western Ghats as the backdrop. Tourists can take a boat ride in the pure lakes, and take pictures of the forest in a different way.
The Crocodile Farm is also an important tourist attraction in the area. The farm is home to 20 crocodiles that are muggers. Visitors can also visit the rehabilitation center for crocodiles, and witness the efforts made by the farm staff to protect the crocodiles.
Lion Park is another top tourist attraction in this area. Visitors can view lions in their natural surroundings.
The Jungle Safari This park offers either an elephant or jeep ride to observe animals in their natural surroundings. A visit to Neyyar wildlife sanctuary is an oasis of peace far from the bustling city.
Things To Do In Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
The boat ride, hiking, wildlife safaris, picnicking and crocodile viewing are some of the most sought-after activities. It is also possible to visit the medicinal garden close to the Crocodile Protection Centre. It is home to 178 species of plants. Boat trips are provided through the Boat Club, during which the visitors travel to two islands of which there are six, within the Neyyar Reservoir. See colorful birds, as well as animals such as elephants and sambar as well as Agasthyamalai peak.
For those who are a bit more adventurous, there is a lion safari in The Lion Park. A trek up through the mountains to Agasthya Peak is also a well-known activity in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is possible to do this in the summer months, but first, you must obtain authorization from Forest Department.
Entry Fee Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Child Under 5 years: INR 5
- Child 5-12 years: INR 125
- Indian Adults: INR 250
- Foreigners Adults: INR 300 for Foreigners
Timings Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: Sanctuary is Open from 9 in the morning to 4 in the evening.
Park is closed on Mondays.
Best Time to go to Neyyar Wildlife:
The climate that is found in Neyyar the wildlife refuge is very extreme. It is prone to heavy rain during the monsoon. It is extremely hot here in summer and the temperature is usually above 35 centigrade during the summer. Winter is extremely mild and cool here. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to March due to the pleasant climate.
How to Reach Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Reach by Road: Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary is located 38 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram city. Thiruvananthapuram is a major city in the state of Kerala and is well connected to all cities in Kerala with regular bus services. Regular bus services are offered from Thiruvananthapuram to the sanctuary.
Travel by Rail: The nearest rail station can be found at Thiruvananthapuram which is located 38 km from the city by train. Thiruvananthapuram is a major railway station in south India and is well connected by regular trains to the rest of India.
Travel Through Air: By air, Thiruvananthapuram is the closest airport that can be reached by air, 38 kilometers from the airport. Thiruvananthapuram is an international airport that provides daily flights to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata, in the country and international cities.
Travel Tips Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- You should not enter the lake from the premises. 500 crocodiles live in the lake.
- Avoid causing discomfort to animals.
- Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes are important.
- Always carry a water bottle.
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