Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary

Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary (celebrated for its lion safari park, crocodile breeding center, and Sivananda Yoga Ashram), situated at the scenic foothills of the Western Ghats just 32 km east of Trivandrum in Kerala, stands as South Kerala's premier eco tourism, wildlife conservation, and spiritual wellness destination.

Established in 1958 with the completion of the gravity masonry dam across the Neyyar and Kallar rivers, the sprawling 128 square-kilometer wildlife sanctuary forms the southern drainage basin of the majestic Agasthyakoodam peak (1,868 meters) within the UNESCO Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

It's the home of the famous Marakunnam Lion Safari Park on an island where Asiatic lions roam in open forest enclosures, the Steve Irwin Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre protecting mugger crocodiles, motorized speedboating and peaceful passenger boat cruises across the vast reservoir, the renowned Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram attracting global spiritual seekers, a deer park, and landscaped botanical gardens.

It represents a rich ecological haven where river valley hydrology, thrilling wildlife safari encounters, traditional yogic meditation, and scenic mountain views unite in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Located in Kallikkad near Kattakada, it sits 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC) and 38 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily accessible by private car, taxi, or regular KSRTC buses from Thampanoor bus terminal.

The 1958 Gravity Dam & 128 sq km Wildlife Sanctuary

Built in 1958 to supply essential drinking water to Trivandrum city and irrigate agricultural plains, the straight gravity masonry dam impounds an enormous 9 square-kilometer freshwater lake.

Surrounding the reservoir is a dense tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forest sheltering wild Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, and over 170 species of native and migratory birds.

Truth is, taking a motorized boat cruise across the calm lake offers a tranquil vantage point where you can spot wild deer and waterbirds along the forested shoreline.

The Lion Safari Park & Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre

Marakunnam Lion Safari Park: Visitors board secure forest department safari vans on Marakunnam island within the reservoir, observing pride of Asiatic lions roaming freely across natural forested hillocks.

Crocodile Breeding Centre: Named in honor of the late Australian naturalist Steve Irwin, the research center houses dozens of marsh crocodiles (muggers) across specialized breeding pools and hatcheries.

Sivananda Yoga Ashram & Watchtower Views

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashram: tucked along the tranquil banks of the reservoir, this world renowned spiritual retreat offers residential yoga teacher training, Ayurvedic therapies, and silent meditation.

Hilltop Watchtower & Gardens: Climbing the concrete watchtower beside the dam crest provides striking 360 degree views of the turquoise lake, green forest islands, and the conical summit of Agasthyakoodam.

After exploring Neyyar Dam and Wildlife Sanctuary, embark on the high altitude trek to Agastya Mala, visit the Napier Museum in Trivandrum city, or relax on the golden sands of Kovalam Beach.