Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Vithura

Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Thiruvananthapuram–Ponmudi Road, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Formerly part of the Paruthippally range in the Thiruvananthapuram territorial division, the sanctuary comprises areas from the Palode and Kottoor forest reserves. It lies within the catchment region of the Karamana River, which originates from Chemmunjimottai—the tallest peak in the sanctuary.

The sanctuary was named after the Peppara Dam, which was commissioned in 1983 to improve the drinking water supply to Thiruvananthapuram city and its surrounding areas. Recognizing the area's ecological value, it was declared a wildlife sanctuary that same year. Today, it forms part of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve.

The forest types found here include West Coast tropical evergreen forests, and the region is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Common tree species thrive alongside a diverse range of wildlife, including numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The sanctuary is approximately 44 kilometers from the Thiruvananthapuram railway station and 49 kilometers from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Peppara Dam
The Peppara Dam is a gravity dam built across the Karamana River, primarily for the purpose of supplying drinking water to Thiruvananthapuram and surrounding regions. Constructed in 1983, the dam is located within the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, enhancing its ecological and hydrological importance.

Key features of the Peppara Dam:

Purpose: Drinking water supply
River: Karamana River
Location: Peppara, within the sanctuary limits
Commissioned: 1983
Managed by: Kerala Water Authority
The dam also plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of the Karamana River and contributes significantly to maintaining the ecological balance of the surrounding forest ecosystem. The reservoir created by the dam supports both aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, making it an essential component of the sanctuary.

The dam and sanctuary together attract nature lovers, researchers, and eco-tourists due to their scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and accessibility from the state capital.