The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. It consists of the catchment area of the Karamana River, which originates from Chemmunjimottai, the tallest hill within the sanctuary. The sanctuary is named after the Peppara Dam, commissioned in 1983 to augment the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared a sanctuary in 1983. The terrain is undulating with elevation ranging from 100 m to 1717 m. The area of the sanctuary is 75 km2 with tropical moist evergreen forests and myristica swamps. It is part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.
Herds of elephants, gaur, sambar, barking deer, and wild boar can be seen here. People stop by this destination on the way to Ponmudi and are enchanted by the splendour of nature on display. Endemic species like the Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Treepie, and the Small Sunbird have also been sighted here. Peppara Dam is where the sanctuary got its name from and the trek here gives one a gorgeous panoramic view of the entire valley. It is a quaint little picnic spot that is attracting more visitors with each passing year. Peppara Wildlife Sancutary offer one of the best trekking options in the capital city. This trek starts from Kaanithara, near Vithura and the initial trek, through eucalyptus plantations could be easy.
The area was formerly a part of the Paruthippally range of the Thiruvananthapuram territorial division. Forests consist of part of the Palode reserve (24 square kilometres (9.3 sq mi)) and part of Kottoor reserve (29 square kilometres (11 sq mi)). The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 square kilometres (2.25 sq mi).
The Sanctuary is well known for its excellent scenic beauty, cool and luxuriant vegetation. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is slowly turning into a location frequented by wildlife enthusiasts.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram, about 50 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 56 km
