Neyyar dam is a gravity dam on the Neyyar River in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, South India, located on the foot of the Western Ghats about 30 km from Thiruvananthapuram. It was established in 1958 and is a popular picnic spot. History Neyyar 2nd State (relates to both Madras and Kerala States) Government of Kerala started work on the project in their area in October 1956. Design The Neyyar Dam is a rubble masonry gravity-type dam with a height of and length of . Its structural volume is . The dam creates a reservoir of of which is active (useful) capacity. The reservoir's surface area is and the dam's spillway has an maximum discharge capacity. One of the contractors who built the Neyyar Dam was Mr Jagathy Chellappan Contractor of Jagathy, Trivandrum. Wildlife Wild life includes Gaur, Sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr, Jungle cat, Nilgiri langur, Wild elephants and Sambar deer. Activities Yoga Neyyar Dam is home to the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwanthari Ashram where people can take courses in yoga and practice meditation. The trees that are growing inside the ashram are large due to care by the people. Boating Tourists can hire a speed boat for Rs 250 per head to view the surrounding forests. Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre A crocodile farm was set up in 1977. It also includes a habitat for otters near the administrative complex. The Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary was named initially by the Kerala government after the late naturalist Steve Irwin as Steve Irwin National Park. Attractions Lion safari park (Not open anymore due to the lions not breeding) Boating Deer park Crocodile Rehabilitation and Research Centre Miniature wild life sanctuary Lake garden Swimming pool Watch tower Elephant riding Transport The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, 38 km away, and the nearest railway station is at Thiruvananthapuram, 30 km away. References Dams in Kerala Reservoirs in Kerala Tourist attractions in Thiruvananthapuram district Dams completed in 1958 1958 establishments in Kerala 20th-century architecture in India