The forests of the 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. The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Elephants, tigers, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque and cormorant are common.
Lying on the outskirts of the capital city, the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 53 sq. km. on the Western Ghats and was established in 1938. The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. Asian elephant, sambar, leopard, lion-tailed macaque, can be seen here. Birdlife includes the endemics like Malabar Grey Hornbill, Whitebellied Treepie, Small Sunbird, etc.
Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the damsite and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here.
The Following major forest types are recognised in the 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.
Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms. It is 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. There are 13 tribal settlements in the sanctuary. Eleven are in Athirumala section and two are in Thodayar section.Recently.
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.
Sanctuary consists of Part of Palode reserve (24sq.kms) and part of Kottoor reserve (29sq.kms). The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 sq.kms. It is 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. There are 13 tribal settlements in the sanctuary. Eleven are in Athirumala section and two are in Thodayar section.Recently.
Getting there
Approach: By Road – Thiruvananthapuram – 44km
Nearest Railway Station: – Thiruvananthapuram – 44km
Nearest Airport: – Thiruvananthapuram – 49 km
Best season to visit: January to March
Closure Period : Open throughout the year
Special Attractions: Trekking to forest area – Bonafalls, Vazahuvanthole water falls,Kalarkad waterfalls, visit to settlement areas etc.
Contact Address:
The Wildlife Warden
Thiruvananthapuram Wildlife Division,
Forestry Complex, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar,
Vattiyorkavu P.O, Thiruvananthapuram
Phone: 0471 2360762 Email - ww-tvm.for@kerala.gov.in
