Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are planning a trip to Kerala, don’t miss out on visiting the infamous Neyaar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the most popular go-to places for wildlife lovers and photographers. Spread over an area of 128 sq km, the wildlife sanctuary has the impressive Agasthyakoodam Peak at an elevation of 1,890 meters and a reservoir extending over an area of 9.06 sq km.

Situated in the southeastern part of the Western Ghats, the place brings sheer pleasure to travelers to relish this unique picturesque landscape. As you walk through the thick tropical wet evergreen forest to the grassland patches, you will come across a spectacular array of flora and fauna.

The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year, except on Mondays. It is open to visitors from 9 AM to 4 PM.

With the Kerala backwaters lying just beside, the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary offers you the rare opportunity to gaze at Indian Porcupines, Elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs, Barking Deer, Gaurs, Sloth Bears, Lion-tailed Macaques, among many others. It’s also rich in avian species and reptiles with species like Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Flying Snakes, among others.

Besides these, the sanctuary is heaven for bird watchers as you can spot a range of birds such as White-breasted Water Hen, Little Green Heron, Woodpeckers, Indian Cuckoos, Gray Jungle Fowl, Common Mynas, Indian Hill Mynas, Darters, Little Cormorants, Little Egrets and Brahminy Kites.

On your tour to the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, you can also enjoy the Crocodile Farm, Deer Farm, and Lion Safari Park and take exciting boat rides on the beautiful Neyyar Lake. In fact, many trekkers do not let go of the opportunity to trek along Agasthyakoodam Peak while at Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.