About 30 kms from Thiruvananthapuram city, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary stretches
from Neyyatinkara Taluk to the Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in Tamilnadu.
Declared as a sanctuary in 1958, it covers an area of 128 sq. km. Even
though it was declared a sanctuary in 1958, the wildlife conservation
had not been taken place in a proper manner and in 1985, a separate wildlife
wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum.
A popular picnic spot, the sanctuary boast a beautiful
wooded and hilly landscape, Crocodile farm, Lion safari park, Deer park
and Agasthya malai 1,890 metres high. Located at the foot of the Western
Ghats, the sanctuary occupies the basin of the rivers Neyyar, Mullayar
and Kallar. More than 3000 belonging to the 'Kani Tribe' inhabits in this
sanctuary. With the aim of conservation of bio - diversity, ECO Development
Committee was started and conducts different eco tourism services from
trekking, boating, nature camp and elephant safari. For every trekking
package, half of the time is for boating.
A one day trekking route from Neyyar to Meenmutty includes
a boating for 9 km upto Kombai. From Kombai a 12 km guided trekking to
Meenmuty falls. The trek starts at 8 am from the dam site and ends 5.30
in the evening. During this trek package, one can see 'Athirumala' a base
camp for the pilgrims to Agasthyakoodam. The Cost is Rs. 400/per person
and a maximum of 10 persons can go for trekking at a time. A two day trek
includes an overnight halt at the camp house at Meenmutty, a row boating
up to deer park, trekking in the dense forest, a visit to Crocodile Rehabilitation
and Research Centre and the Lion safari park. (Note : Due to Boating tragedy
in Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, all trekking and boating activities is
indefinitely stopped till May). For more information contact 0471- 2272182.
The sanctuary houses a Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research
Centre which was set up in memory of Australian crocodile hunter and animal
conservationist Steve Irwin. Also called the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation
and Research Centre, it has been set up as per the guidelines of the Central
Zoo Authority. Started in 1977 near the forest's boat club in Neyyar as
part of a national programme to conserve crocodiles, the 2.5 hectares
of land now houses marsh and 44 mugger crocodiles found in the marshlands
of the area. The center is open to the public. A life-size plaque of Irwin
with a crocodile at the entrance of the centre greets visitors.
Flora
The vegetation types found in the sanctuary are West coast tropical
evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen, Southern moist mixed
deciduous forest, Southern tropical hill forests, Southern sub-tropical
savannahs. The thick Reed brakes are also seen in Neyyar Sanctuary.
Tree species in the sanctuary include Terminalia paniculata, Pterocarpus
marsupium, Palaquium ellipticum, Tripogen bromodes, Mesua ferrea, T.bellerica,
Hopea parviflora, Bombax ceiba, Syzygium cumini, Lagerstroemia lanceolata,
Adina cordifolia, Albizzia procera, Alstoniascholaris etc.
Fauna
This sanctuary is home to a large number of mammals, reptiles and avi
fauna. There are 39 species of mammals, 176 species of birds, 30 species
of reptiles,17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes are reported
from the sanctuary. The most commonly seen animals found in the sanctuary
are wild elephants and Sambhar Deer. Other wildlife includes Gaur, Wild
boar, Indian Porcupine, three - striped squirrel, Tiger, Malabar Squirrel,
lion - tailed macaque, Mouse deer, Bonner macaque, Nilgiri Tahr, Nilgiri
langur etc.
Many interesting reptiles found in this sanctuary
which includes Cobra, Viper Python, Rat snake, Flying Snake, Lizard
etc. The sanctuary is very rich in Avi fauna also. Common Myna, Kingfisher,
White breasted water hen, Little green heron, Woodpecker, Hous Crow,
Koel, Indian Cuckoo, Grey Jungle Fowl, Hoopoe, Jungle Myna, Indian Hill
Myna, Darter, Little Coromorant, Little Egret, Brahminy Kite etc are
the commonly seen birds in the sanctuary. During boating, one can
see many water birds.
Since Neyyar Reservoir extends to over 9.06 sq km
of are, it offers tourists excellent opportunity for pleasure navigation
activities like sailing and fishing. Trekking and rafting facilities
are also available here but you should be highly physically fit to take
up such challenging trips. Usually, a one-day trekking trip from Neyyar
to Kombai to Meenmutty includes boat ride for 9 km up to Kombai and
then a 6 km guided trek to Meenmuty falls. Whereas, a two-day trek includes
an overnight halt at the camp house of Meenmutty along with other fun
filled and adventurous activities like guided row boating up to the
deer park, visiting the crocodile rearing centre, trekking in the forest
and the lion safari park.
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Wildlife 
