Boat preparing for lion safari in Neyyar Lion Safari Park

Neyyar Dam

Neyyar Dam Kerala, India: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the lush foothills of the Western Ghats in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, Neyyar Dam is a landmark of engineering, ecology, and cultural heritage. Established in 1958, this gravity dam across the Neyyar River has played a vital role in transforming southern Kerala through irrigation, drinking water supply, and regional development. Today, Neyyar Dam is also a thriving tourist destination, renowned for its scenic reservoir, verdant forests, and proximity to the extensive Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary—a biodiversity hotspot spanning 128 square kilometers.

The dam is not only an engineering marvel but also a focal point for conservation, recreation, and wellness tourism. Attractions such as the Lion Safari Park, Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, and the tranquil Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram draw visitors from across India and abroad. This comprehensive guide provides up-to-date information on Neyyar Dam’s visiting hours, ticketing, nearby attractions, accessibility, and travel tips to help you plan the perfect visit.

For the latest updates and official details, refer to the Kerala Irrigation Department, Kerala Tourism, and Trivandrum District Official Site.

Neyyar Lion Safari Park view from a boat on water with lush greenery

Lions resting inside lion safari park neyyar

View of Neyyar River flowing through natural landscape

Quick Facts at a Glance

Location: Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, India
Distance from City: ~32 km from Thiruvananthapuram city
Construction Year: 1958
Reservoir Area: ~9.06 sq km (at full capacity)
Wildlife Sanctuary Area: 128 sq km

History and Significance

Engineering and Development

Neyyar Dam was the first major irrigation project in the Travancore-Cochin state, initiated soon after India’s independence. Construction began in 1951 and finished in 1958. The dam, built using straight gravity rubble masonry, stands 56 meters tall and 295 meters long. It has played a critical role in supporting agriculture and rural communities by supplying irrigation and drinking water. The dam’s reservoir also provides water for Thiruvananthapuram city, supporting both urban and rural needs (Kerala Irrigation Department).

Conservation and Biodiversity

The Neyyar reservoir and its catchment are protected within the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a haven for diverse flora and fauna, including endangered Asian elephants, leopards, tigers, and the rare lion-tailed macaque. The sanctuary also supports vital conservation efforts, such as the Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre, which preserves the mugger crocodile population (Learn UPSC).

Spiritual and Cultural Importance

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram, founded in 1959, is situated on the reservoir’s banks and attracts wellness seekers from around the world. The dam area is also a center for local festivals and cultural events, strengthening community identity (Culture and Heritage).

Visiting Neyyar Dam: Essential Information

Visiting Hours

Neyyar Dam: 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM daily (TripNetra)
Wildlife Sanctuary & Attractions: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Lion Safari closed Mondays)
Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather and wildlife viewing

Tickets and Entry Fees

Dam Entry: INR 10 per person (subject to change)
Wildlife Sanctuary: Separate fee; check at entry
Lion Safari: INR 250 (adults), INR 125 (children 5–12), INR 5 (children under 5), INR 300 (foreign tourists)
Other Attractions: Boating, Crocodile Park, Deer Park, and Ashram have separate charges (Tripoto)
Booking: Tickets are available onsite; online booking is available for some activities via the Kerala Tourism portal

Accessibility

By Road: Regular KSRTC buses and taxis from Thiruvananthapuram; well-maintained roads (Karmic Tourism)
By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station (~32 km away)
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport (~38 km away)
Parking: Ample parking near the dam entrance
Onsite Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps and paved pathways in main areas; some trekking trails are not accessible for differently-abled visitors (Tripinic)

Top Attractions and Activities

Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore Kerala’s rich biodiversity in this 128 sq km sanctuary, home to elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, king cobras, and over 176 bird species (Kerala Tourism). The sanctuary’s varied habitats include tropical evergreens, grasslands, and wetlands.

Major Attractions:

Lion Safari Park: View Asiatic lions in a semi-wild environment via caged safari vehicles.
Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre: Learn about and observe mugger crocodiles.
Deer Park: Spot sambar and spotted deer, ideal for families.
Watchtower: Enjoy panoramic views of the reservoir and forests.
Boating: Choose from pedal boats and motorboats for scenic water rides (Kerala Backwater).

Adventure and Wellness

Trekking: Popular treks include the challenging Agasthyakoodam Peak (1,868 meters), open January–March with prior forest department permits (TravelSetu).
Boating & Canoeing: Leisurely boat rides and an annual canoe marathon.
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreats: Experience wellness programs at the Sivananda Ashram and other centers.

Cultural and Historical Sites Nearby

Extend your visit to Thiruvananthapuram by exploring:

Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Napier Museum
Kanakakkunnu Palace

Facilities and Amenities

Restrooms: Available at main entrance and attractions
Food & Refreshments: Local eateries and snack stalls; larger dining options in nearby villages and Thiruvananthapuram (GuideTour)
Souvenir Shops: For gifts and local crafts
Guided Tours: Available on request; most areas are self-explanatory (TransIndiaTravels)
Accommodation: Limited near the dam; more options in Thiruvananthapuram

Environmental Insights

Neyyar is part of the UNESCO-recognized Western Ghats, noted for its exceptional biodiversity. Key environmental concerns include:

Siltation: The reservoir’s capacity has decreased over time due to catchment area erosion (Academia.edu).
Water Quality: Pollution and sand mining impact downstream water flow and quality (Kerala Marine Life).
Flood Management: Lessons from the 2018 Kerala floods highlight the need for robust dam management (Kerala SDMA).

Conservation tips for visitors: Avoid plastic, follow designated trails, do not disturb wildlife, and adhere to all sanctuary rules.

Travel Tips

Wear: Comfortable footwear, sun protection, and carry water
Best Hours: Early mornings (for wildlife) or late afternoons (for cooler weather and photography)
Permits: Required for trekking and some restricted activities
Safety: Follow sanctuary rules, avoid feeding wildlife, and supervise children
Photography: Allowed in most areas; drone use requires permission

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are Neyyar Dam’s visiting hours?
A: The dam is open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM; wildlife sanctuary hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Q2: How much are the tickets?
A: Dam entry is INR 10; Lion Safari and other activities have separate charges.

Q3: Is Neyyar Dam accessible for differently-abled visitors?
A: Major areas are wheelchair accessible; some activities may not be suitable.

Q4: How do I get to Neyyar Dam?
A: By road (bus/taxi from Thiruvananthapuram), rail (Thiruvananthapuram Central), or air (Trivandrum International Airport).

Q5: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local operators or on request at the site.

Q6: Can I book tickets online?
A: Some activities allow online booking via the Kerala Tourism portal; most are ticketed onsite.

Best Photographic Spots

Watchtower: Panoramic reservoir and forest views
Lion Safari & Crocodile Centre: Wildlife photography
Boating: Serene water and landscape shots
Sunrise & Sunset: Over Agasthyamalai peaks and reservoir

Plan Your Visit

Neyyar Dam is ideal for family outings, nature adventures, and spiritual retreats. Plan your trip by checking official visiting hours and ticketing details. For updates and digital resources, download the Audiala app and follow our social media for travel inspiration.

Summary and Final Recommendations

Neyyar Dam stands as a harmonious blend of nature, engineering, culture, and wellness. From its vital role in Kerala’s irrigation and water supply to its status as an eco-tourism and spiritual destination, Neyyar offers something for every traveler. With its well-maintained amenities, accessibility, and rich array of activities, it is a highlight of Thiruvananthapuram. Stay informed about any updates via official channels, and support conservation by traveling responsibly.