Situated 30km east of Thiruvananthapuram, at the foot of the Western ghats,
this popular picnic spot has a lake and a picturesque dam site. Established
in 1958, the sanctuary covers an area of 123 sq. km. It occupies the basin
of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar and Kallar. A watch tower, crocodile farm,
lion safari park and deer park are the main attractions of this sanctuary.
Dominated by the peak of Agasthyakoodam hill, 1,890 metres high, the Neyyar
sanctuary occupies a beautiful wooded and hilly landscape. Wild life includes
gaur, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, jungle cat and Nilgiri langur but most
commonly seen animals are wild elephants and sambar deer. Trekking
and Boating facilities are available at the reservoir.
A part of the Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary, Neyyar Dam supports a large
population of crocodiles and otters. The gardens in the dam area is decorated
with larger than life statues.
