Peppara

Infobox_protected_area | name = Peppara Wildlife SanctuaryLocation map|India
label= Peppara
position=right
background=
lat=8.38
long=77.10
float=left
width=300
location = Trivandrum, India
nearest_city = Trivandrum
lat_degrees = 8
lat_minutes = 38
lat_seconds = 50
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 77
long_minutes = 10
long_seconds = 0
long_direction = E
area = 53 km²
established = 1983
governing_body =

Peppara Wildlife sanctuary constitutes the catchments of Peppara dam constructed across the Karamana river and commissioned during 1983 to augment the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and suburban areas. Considering the ecological significance of the area, it was declared as sanctuary during 1983. The area was formerly a part of Paruthippally range of Thiruvananthapuram Territorial Division. Forests consist of Part of Palode reserve (24 km²) and part of Kottoor reserve (29 km²). The total area of the sanctuary is 53 km². The total water spread of the reservoir is 5.82 km². Recently, a joint effort has been made by Kerala Tourism with the State Forest Department and the Kerala Water Authority to beautify the dam site and provide more entertainment/leisure facilities here

Location

The Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on Thiruvanthapuram-Ponmudi Road, at about 50 km north-east of the state capital - Thiruvananthapuram in Nedumangad taluk between longitude 76°40' and 77°17' east and latitude 80°7'and 8°53' north.

Topography

General topography of the area is hilly with elevation varying from 100 m to 1717 m. The major peaks in the sanctuary are Chemmunjimottai (1717m), Athirumalai(1594m), Arumukhamkunnu (1457m), koviltherimalai(1313m) and Nachiyadikunnu(957m). Annual average rainfall is 2500 mm. The major rivers are Karamana river and its tributaries.

BioDiversity

Forest types include West coast tropical evergreen, Southern hilltop tropical evergreen, West cast semi-evergreen,Southern moist mixed deciduous forest, Myristica swamp forest, sub-montane hill valley swamp forest etc.

Trees

Common tree species are "Terminalia paniculta", "T. bellerica", "Pterocarpus marsupium", "Palaquium ellipticum", "Mesua ferrea", "Hopea parviflora", "Bombax ceiba", "Syzyguium cummini", "Lagerstroemia lanceolata", "Albizzia procera", "Alstonia scholaris", etc.

Animals

The sanctuary has a rich population of mammalian fauna and is emerging as a big attraction to wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists. 43 species of mammals, 233 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles, 13 species of amphibians and 27 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary. The common mammals found are Tiger, Leopard, Sloth bear, Elephant, Sambar Deer, bonnet Macaque,Nilgiri langur,Nilgiri tahr etc.

Tourism Details

Approach: By Road – Thiruvananthapuram – 44km

Nearest Railway Station: – Thiruvananthapuram – 44km

Nearest Airport: – Thiruvananthapuram – 49 km

Accommodation: - No facilities by the Department. IB of Kerala Water Authority is very near to the headquarters.

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.

External links

* [http://www.keralatourism.org/index.php?source=desti&destid=35&catid=&zone=1 Kerala tourism Official site]
* [http://www.Nedumangad.net/ Informations about Nedumangad]