Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary/Dam
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling protected area centered around the Peppara Dam. Commissioned in 1983, the dam was built to provide drinking water to the city, and the surrounding forest was declared a sanctuary due to its ecological importance. It covers an area of 75 square kilometers an d is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of animals including elephants, sambar deer, leopards, and over 200 species of birds. The landscape is hilly, with the highest peak being Chemmunjimottai. The reservoir formed by the dam is a beautiful sight, with the hills reflected in the calm water. It is a vital habitat for many endemic species of the Western Ghats. The forest consists of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen trees. Visitors can enjoy the view from the dam top, but entry into the core forest area requires special permission. The area is also home to several tribal settlements who live in harmony with nature. It is a great spot for eco-tourism and nature education. The dam itself is an engineering marvel and offers a panoramic view of the forest-clad mountains. The quietness of the place is only broken by the sound of birds and the wind. It is an ideal spot for those who want to experience the wilderness without deep-jungle trekking. The forest department maintains a small interpretation center for visitors. The road to Peppara is scenic, passing through rubber estates and small villages. It is a critical area for the conservation of the Karamana river.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife & DamEntry Fees:
Adults: 50 INR.
Children: 35 INR.
Foreigners: 150 INR.
Camera: 20 INR for still and 150 INR for video. There are also nominal charges for vehicles entering the dam premise...Adults: 50 INR.
Children: 35 INR.
Foreigners: 150 INR.
Camera: 20 INR for still and 150 INR for video. There are also nominal charges for vehicles entering the dam premises. The revenue supports forest conservation and tribal welfare programs.Timing:
Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM is best as the heat subsides and animals often come to the water's edge. Morning visits are also good for birdwatching. The dam area might be closed during extreme...Regular Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM is best as the heat subsides and animals often come to the water's edge. Morning visits are also good for birdwatching. The dam area might be closed during extremely high water levels for safety.Special Events:
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with seminars and photo exhibitions.
World Water Day: On March 22nd, special programs are held to highlight the importance of the reservoir. These events aim to educate the public abou...Wildlife Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with seminars and photo exhibitions.
World Water Day: On March 22nd, special programs are held to highlight the importance of the reservoir. These events aim to educate the public about conservation efforts in the Agasthyamala region.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Dam Wall: Offers a wide view of the water and the background mountains.
The Forest Gate: The lush green entrance with massive trees makes for a great "into the wild" shot.
The Spillway: During the ...The Main Dam Wall: Offers a wide view of the water and the background mountains.
The Forest Gate: The lush green entrance with massive trees makes for a great "into the wild" shot.
The Spillway: During the monsoon, the water gushing through the gates is a dramatic sight. The sunset reflecting off the reservoir creates a golden palette that is every photographer's dream.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Spotting: Use binoculars to see animals near the water's edge.
Bird Watching: Spot rare avian species in the trees around the reservoir.
Dam Walk: Walk across the dam top for breathtaking views.
Nature Photography: Capture the landscape of the reservoir and hills.
Learning at Museum: Visit the small information center about the local flora and fauna.
Picnicking: Enjoy the breeze at the designated visitor area near the gate.
Botanical Study: Identify different types of tropical evergreen trees.
Guided Trekking: Join forest department-approved treks to the sanctuary fringes.
Relaxing: Sim...
Information
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Why Famous:
Drinking Water Source: It is famous as the primary source of drinking water for Thiruvananthapuram.
Elephant Corridor: The sanctuary is a known corridor for wild elephants moving across the Western Ghats. It is famous among birdwatchers fo...Drinking Water Source: It is famous as the primary source of drinking water for Thiruvananthapuram.
Elephant Corridor: The sanctuary is a known corridor for wild elephants moving across the Western Ghats. It is famous among birdwatchers for sightings of the Malabar Trogon. The dam is also a popular spot for its scenic beauty, often used as a location for photography and nature documentaries. -
Architecture:
Dam Structure: The Peppara Dam is a gravity dam built across the Karamana river. It has a length of approximately 423 meters and a height of 33 meters from the deepest foundation.
Reservoir Area: The water spread area is about 5. 8 square ...Dam Structure: The Peppara Dam is a gravity dam built across the Karamana river. It has a length of approximately 423 meters and a height of 33 meters from the deepest foundation.
Reservoir Area: The water spread area is about 5. 8 square kilometers. The architecture of the dam features several spillway gates to manage water levels. The office buildings and forest guest houses are built in a colonial-influenced style, covering around 2000 square feet in total. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is 49 KMS away.
By Train: Thiruvananthapuram Central is 44 KMS from the sanctuary.
By Road: Take the road from Nedumangad to Vithura, then turn towards Peppara.
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Near Tourist Places:
Ponmudi (18 KM), Kallar (12 KM), Meenmutty Falls (15 KM), Vithura (14 KM), Bonacaud (10 KM), Agasthyarkoodam (15 KM), Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary (30 KM), Koyikkal Palace (28 KM), Mankayam Falls (20 KM), Aruvikkara (25 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not attempt to feed the monkeys or wild animals. Keep a safe distance from the reservoir edge.
Packing: Carry sun protection and a light jacket if visiting in winter.
Accommodation: For...
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