Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala
A serene sanctuary featuring a dam, reservoir, and lush forests, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape near Trivandrum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploration
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene sanctuary featuring a dam, reservoir, and lush forests, offering scenic views and a peaceful escape near Trivandrum.
"Peppara Dam offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, leaving me thoroughly impressed with its tranquil ambiance."
Check Podiyakkala Access
Podiyakkala offers stunning views but may have restricted public access. Inquire locally before your visit. :informationdeskperson:
Pack Essentials
Limited facilities mean bringing your own water, snacks, and any personal necessities is wise. :water_buffalo:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peppara Dam and Reservoir
Across Karamana River
A scenic reservoir offering drinking water to Trivandrum, with beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Podiyakkala Viewpoint
Inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of forests, hills, and the reservoir. A former tribal settlement area.
Vazhvanthol Waterfalls
Inside Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
A hidden gem with cool, flowing water amidst lush greenery, accessible on the way to Bonacaud.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Peppara
Access and Facilities at Peppara
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Podiyakkala Access
Podiyakkala offers stunning views but may have restricted public access. Inquire locally before your visit. :informationdeskperson:
Pack Essentials
Limited facilities mean bringing your own water, snacks, and any personal necessities is wise. :water_buffalo:
Scenic Drive
The road leading to the dam offers beautiful forest and landscape views, making the journey part of the experience. :oncoming_automobile:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for monkeys and other local fauna, especially during quieter times of the day. :monkey_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Podiyakkala Access
Podiyakkala offers stunning views but may have restricted public access. Inquire locally before your visit. :informationdeskperson:
Pack Essentials
Limited facilities mean bringing your own water, snacks, and any personal necessities is wise. :water_buffalo:
Scenic Drive
The road leading to the dam offers beautiful forest and landscape views, making the journey part of the experience. :oncoming_automobile:
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for monkeys and other local fauna, especially during quieter times of the day. :monkey_face:
Photography Opportunities
The sanctuary and dam offer picturesque settings, perfect for capturing Kerala's natural beauty. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is praised for its serene ambiance and beautiful natural landscapes, offering a refreshing escape near Trivandrum. Visitors appreciate the scenic drive and the picturesque views from the dam and surrounding areas. However, some find the limited access to certain points and the lack of facilities to be drawbacks.
"Nice place for a quick trip from Trivandrum.
Roughly an hour from the city.
The best part is Podiyakkala, which is now unfortunately closed for public."
Adv. ARUN CHANDRAN
"Entry limited to dam view with no trekking and other things allowed.no fee also..dam also can be viewed only from outside..no entry to the road..route leading to the entry looks interesting in the last a few kilometres..some forest and other beautiful landscapes.."
Sangeetha Ajith
"From Vithura around 12 kms to Peppara Dam and wild life sanctuary. Limited Parking is available in front of the entrance. But vehicle can be parked on the road side. Dam view is the only activity. Scope of development is there. Crossing through dam is not allowed. Road to the dam has some beautiful view points. No entrance fees and no refreshment zone or washrooms available. Name,no of pax and timings are noted in the reception. Few monkeys can be spotted."
SMIJITH SS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 39-53 km from Trivandrum Central. You can reach it via Vithurai on the Trivandrum-Ponmudi road. Taxis or private vehicles are the most convenient options.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take buses towards Ponmudi or Vithura from Trivandrum and then arrange local transport for the final stretch to the sanctuary.
The route from Vithura, approximately 12 km to Peppara Dam, is known for its scenic beauty, with forest and landscape views along the way.
Entry is managed, and you may need to obtain a pass from a checkpoint. The road leading to the dam itself has beautiful viewpoints.
The journey typically takes around an hour from Trivandrum city, depending on traffic and your mode of transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no entrance fee mentioned for viewing the dam area. However, specific access to certain points like Podiyakkala might be restricted or managed differently.
Specific operating hours are not widely published, but it's generally advisable to visit during daylight hours. Information on visitor numbers and timings is noted at the reception.
Visitors are generally not allowed to walk through the dam itself. The viewing is typically from outside the main structure.
No advance booking is typically required for general entry to view the dam. However, for specific activities or group visits, it's best to inquire beforehand.
While parking is available, there might be restrictions on vehicle entry beyond certain points. You may need to obtain a pass from the checkpoint.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary attractions include the Peppara Dam and Reservoir, the scenic Podiyakkala viewpoint (check accessibility), and the nearby Vazhvanthol Waterfalls. 
There are no refreshment zones or washrooms directly available at the dam. It's recommended to carry your own supplies.
Trekking might be limited or restricted in certain areas. The focus is often on dam views and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
The sanctuary is home to various animals, including elephants and sambar deer, though sightings can be infrequent. Monkeys are commonly spotted.
Yes, it's an excellent option for a quick day trip from Trivandrum, offering a serene escape and beautiful natural scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
The Peppara Dam, the reservoir, the scenic drive, and viewpoints like Podiyakkala offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Always be mindful of safety regulations and designated viewing areas when taking photos near the dam and reservoir.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for landscape photography in the sanctuary.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the sanctuary management before flying a drone.
While wildlife sightings are possible, they are not guaranteed. Patience and a good zoom lens can be helpful for capturing animal photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Vazhvanthol Waterfalls if accessible, as the gentle flow of water can be fascinating for children. Ensure children are supervised at all times, especially near water bodies and viewpoints. The relatively short travel time from Trivandrum makes it a manageable day trip for families.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Don't miss the chance to explore Podiyakkala for its panoramic views, offering a unique perspective of the sanctuary. Photographers will find ample subjects, from the grand dam structure to the intricate details of the flora and fauna. Keep your camera ready for potential wildlife sightings, though patience is key. The Vazhvanthol Waterfalls also present a picturesque setting for capturing the essence of Kerala's natural beauty.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
While Podiyakkala might have restricted access, other viewpoints offer peaceful spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. Visiting on weekdays can further enhance the sense of peace, as crowds are significantly lower. It’s a place to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the simple beauty of the Kerala landscape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Peppara Dam
While direct access to walk across the dam might be restricted, the viewpoints leading up to it provide ample opportunities to appreciate its scale and beauty. The road to the dam is noted for its scenic charm, winding through natural landscapes that enhance the overall experience. It's a place where engineering meets nature, offering a unique visual appeal.
Exploring Podiyakkala's Charm
+1This spot provides an unparalleled connection with nature, allowing visitors to soak in the vastness of the landscape. However, it's important to note that access to Podiyakkala can be restricted at times. Travelers are advised to check the current accessibility status before planning their visit to avoid disappointment. Despite potential limitations, its reputation as a hidden gem with stunning vistas makes it a sought-after destination for those exploring the sanctuary.
The Hidden Gem: Vazhvanthol Waterfalls
Located on the route towards Bonacaud, the waterfalls are a testament to the sanctuary's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. The journey to Vazhvanthol itself is part of the adventure, leading visitors through scenic wilderness. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a less-explored natural wonder within the Trivandrum district.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit