Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area established in 1958 in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Spanning 128 square kilometers in the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, it features diverse flora and fauna including elephants, tigers, and Nilgiri langurs. The sanctuary surrounds the scenic Neyyar Reservoir and offers attractions such as a lion safari park, crocodile rehabilitation center, and trekking trails to Agasthyakoodam peak.

Visitors can explore the sanctuary through guided wildlife safaris, boat rides on the Neyyar Reservoir, and visits to the Lion Safari Park and Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre. The area offers trekking opportunities, including trails to Meenmutty Falls and the Agasthyakoodam peak. The sanctuary features lush tropical vegetation, a scenic dam site, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation in a natural forest setting.

Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1958, with active conservation efforts beginning in 1985 when a separate wildlife wing was set up. The Neyyar Dam was constructed in 1958, creating the reservoir that forms part of the sanctuary.

The sanctuary contains Agasthyakoodam peak, which is considered a pilgrimage spot for devotees of the Hindu sage Agastya. The area is part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.