Neyyar Dam - A Nature & Wildlife Hub near Kovalam

Kovalam, KeralaATTRACTION

A scenic gravity dam and reservoir near Kovalam, featuring a wildlife sanctuary with a lion safari, crocodile park, and boating facilities.

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Info

ATTRACTION

Info

Half day (3-4 hours)

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Neyyar Dam is a large gravity dam built on the Neyyar River, set against the southern low hills of the Western Ghats. The area around the dam has been developed into a popular destination for locals and tourists. The main draw is the large reservoir, where you can take speed boat or safari boat rides to get a better view of the surrounding forests. The dam itself offers a wide walkway on top, providing an expansive view of the lake on one side and the downstream channel on the other. The complex isn't just about the dam. It includes the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of animals. Key attractions within this sanctuary that you can visit are a Lion Safari Park located on an island in the reservoir, a Deer Park, and a Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, especially on weekdays, making it a good spot for a day trip away from the city. The entire area is quite spread out, so be prepared for some walking between the different points of interest.

Why This Place is Special

• Gravity dam with a scenic reservoir
• Boat safaris on the Neyyar reservoir
• Lion Safari Park on Marakunnam Island
• Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre
• Deer Rehabilitation Centre
• Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram
• A popular picnic and day-trip destination

Ideal For

FamiliesKidsCouplesGroupsNature loversPhotographers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Food stalls
• Drinking water
• Boating facility
• Seating areas
• Information center
• Souvenir shops

Visitor Tips

• Visit between 10 AM and 3 PM to have enough time for boating and visiting the various parks.
• Weekdays are much less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area is large and requires walking between attractions.
• Carry a water bottle, sunscreen, and a hat, as it can get quite sunny and humid.
• Enquire about the timings for the Lion Safari boat as soon as you arrive, as it has a fixed schedule.
• Be cautious of the monkeys in the area
• avoid feeding them and keep your belongings secure.
• During the monsoon (June-September), the dam is full and looks impressive, but boat services might be suspended during heavy rain.
• Carry cash, as digital payment options may not be available at all ticket counters and local stalls.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not litter in the dam area or the sanctuary.
• Feeding animals in the wildlife parks is strictly prohibited.
• Boating activities are subject to weather conditions and water levels.
• Follow the instructions of the guides and forest officials, especially during the safari.
• Smoking and consumption of alcohol are not allowed.

Safety Information

• Be careful near the reservoir, as the banks can be slippery and there are no fences in many areas.
• Stay on designated paths and trails within the wildlife sanctuary.
• Watch out for monkeys that can be aggressive and try to snatch food or belongings.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during the hotter months.
• If you opt for boating, ensure you wear the life jackets provided.
• Keep your mobile phone and valuables secure, especially in crowded areas.
• The area has limited mobile network coverage in some spots.

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Location & Address

Neyyar Dam, Kallikkad Panchayat, Thiruvananthapuram, Kattakada, Kovalam, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Neyyar Dam is from September to March. During these post-monsoon and winter months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and boating. The reservoir is full after the rains, and the surrounding greenery is at its best. Summer months, from April to May, can be very hot and humid. While the monsoon season from June to August offers a dramatic view of the dam, heavy rainfall can disrupt boat services and outdoor activities.
Peak Crowd: December-January, weekends, and all public holidays. This is the main tourist season with pleasant weather.
Moderate Crowd: September-November and February-March, particularly on weekdays.
Low Crowd: April-August, due to the hot summer weather and subsequent heavy monsoon rains.

How to Reach

Air

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, located about 38 km away. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the dam by taxi from the airport.

Train

Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (TVC) is the nearest major railhead, about 32 km away. The station is well-connected to all major cities in India. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from there.

Road

Neyyar Dam is well-connected by road to Thiruvananthapuram and Kovalam. You can drive or hire a cab. State-run KSRTC buses frequently ply from Thiruvananthapuram to the dam area.

Local Transport

From Thiruvananthapuram city or Kovalam, taxis and auto-rickshaws are the most common modes of transport. Local buses are a more economical option, available from the main bus stands in the city.