Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

The forests of Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary constitute the catchment of Peppara dam constructed across Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as sanctuary during 1983. The area was formerly a part of Paruthippally range of Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total area of the sanctuary is 53 sq.kms. The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms.

The sanctuary is located about 50kms. north east of Thiruvananthapuram city in Nedumangad taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district between longitude 76°40' and 77°17' east and latitude 80°7'and 8°53' north. General topography of the area is hilly with elevation varying from 100 m to 1717m. Rainfall and other climate factors are similar to that of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. There are 13 tribal settlements in the sanctuary. Eleven are in Athirumala section and two are in Thodayar section.

The Following major forest types are recognised in the peppara wildlife sanctuary.

1 .Southern hilltop tropical evergreen This type of forest is of stunted evergreen, found above 1000m elevation on the top of hills. They are exposed to heavy wind and less favourable soil and climatic conditions.

2 .West coast semi- evergreen A transitional zone between evergreen and moist deciduous, this type occurs mostly in hill slopes from 150 to 1050m. The riparian areas also contain them.

3. Southern moist mixed deciduous forests This type of forest covers more than 60% of the tract along the lower slopes of hills.

The major mammals include elephant, gaur,sambar, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, tiger, panther, wild dog, lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar squirrel etc. Water birds like darter, little cormorant, pied king fisher and egrets are also common. Many kinds of snakes including the king cobra and python are also present in this sanctuary. The area has a variety of moth and butterflies.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Tour Packages

Wildlife in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

One can find an amazing variety of wildlife in this sanctuary. The important animals in this sanctuary are panthers, wild boar, elephants, tigers, lion tailed macaque, gaur, sambar, barking deer, Nilgiri Langur, etc. Apart from the beasts, one can find many birds darting from one place to another and making the sanctuary lively with their noises important birds in the sanctuary are kingfisher, egrets, wild ducks, cormorants, etc.

Reptiles:

Important reptiles in the sanctuary are cobras, pythons and other non-poisonous snakes.

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Information

General Information

Location : 50kms north east of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Area : 5.82 Sq. Kms.

Established : 1983

Time to Visit : October to March

Rainfall : 100 m to 1717m.

Climate : Modetrately hot and humid. The temperature ranges from 16°c to 35°c. The mean annual rainfall is 2800 mm and tract reeives both South West and North East monsoons.

How to Reach Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

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.