Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitutes the catchments of the Peppara Dam on the Karamana River near Thiruvananthapuram, India.

The Peppara Dam was commissioned in 1983 to augment the drinking water supply toThiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared a sanctuary in 1983. The area was formerly a part of the Paruthippally range of the Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division. Forests consist of part of the Palode reserve (24 square kilometres (9.3 sq mi)) and part of Kottoor reserve (29 square kilometres (11 sq mi)). The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 square kilometres (2.25 sq mi). Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the dam site and provide more entertainment and leisure facilities here.

Forest types include West coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen, West cast semi-evergreen,Southern moist mixed deciduous forest, Myristica swamp forest, sub-montane hill valley swamp forest etc.

Common tree species are Terminalia paniculta, T. bellerica, Pterocarpus marsupium, Palaquium ellipticum, Mesua ferrea, Hopea parviflora, Bombax ceiba, Syzyguium cummini, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Albizzia procera, Alstonia scholaris, etc.

The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. 43 species of mammals, 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary. The common mammals found are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Elephant, Sambar (deer), Bonnet Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

Directions

By Air - The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (32 Kms) from where frequent and regular buses are available for Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also board a flight to your desired destination after returning from the wildlife sanctuary. 

By Rail - The nearest railhead from the sanctuary is Thiruvananthapuram, which is well connected with Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi and even Kashmir. The buses are available for the sanctuary from Trivandrum. From Trivandrum you can also board a train to depart to your desired destination. 

By Road- Peppara wildlife sanctuary is easily and conveniently accessible from Vithurai on Thiruvananthapuram - Ponmudi road.