 Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous sanctuaries of Kerala. It is located in the southeast corner of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is spread over area of 128 sq km, and was declared as a sanctuary in the year 1958. However, in the year 1985, a separate wildlife wing was established that led to an impetus in wildlife conservation. It is the catchment area for the Neyyar River, Mullayar and Kallar. The wildlife sanctuary has soothing climatic conditions. Summers are around 35 degrees Celsius and winters remain around 16 degree Celsius. The average rainfall in the months of May and July from the Southwest monsoon and October and November from the Northeast is about 2800 mm.
Flora and Fauna of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Neyyar wildlife sanctuary houses a variety of flora and fauna. The captivating Agasthyakoodam Peak at an elevation of 1,890 meters and the striking Neyyar Reservoir extending over an area of 9.06 sq. km heighten the beauty of the sanctuary. The vegetation of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary varies from tropical wet evergreen to grasslands according to altitude. The sanctuary provides shelter to a variety of animals that includes Elephants, Sloth Bears, Nilgiri Tahrs, Gaur, Sambars, Barking Deer, Indian Porcupines, Malabar Squirrels, Tigers, Lion-tailed Macaques, Jungle Cats, Wild Boars and NilgiriLangurs to name a few. The sanctuary is also rich in its birds and reptiles population. Among reptiles Cobras, Vipers, Pythons, Rat Snakes, Flying Snakes and Lizards are commonly found in the sanctuary. The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a wide variety of birds like King Fishers, 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 and others. There are trekking and boating facilities in the Neyyar wildlife sanctuary. The trekking and boating combo which begins from Neyyar and extends up to Meenmutty via Kombai is the most exciting part of the tour. While on a tour to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala tourists can also visit the Crocodile Farm, Deer Farm and Lion Safari Park in the sanctuary or enjoy an exciting boat ride on the beautiful Neyyar Lake. Tourists can also engage in Trekking to Agastiar Peak. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the months of November and March. |
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