Neyyar Dam / Forest Camp Stay

About this place

Kombai Camp is a forest-based overnight eco-tourism experience organized by the Neyyar Forest Division of the Kerala Forest Department within the protected landscape of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. Nestled in the foothills of the biodiverse Western Ghats, this nature camp offers visitors an opportunity to experience Kerala’s wilderness through a carefully regulated combination of trekking, boating, camping, and nature interpretation. Unlike conventional camping destinations, Kombai Camp is conducted inside a protected forest ecosystem where visitor activities are managed under the supervision of the Forest Department to ensure both safety and conservation. The experience begins with check-in at 10:00 AM and concludes at 12:00 PM the following day, making it a 26-hour immersive wilderness programme. One of the major highlights of the camp is a scenic 13-kilometre boat journey across the Neyyar Reservoir to the remote Kombai tribal settlement, where participants travel through calm waters surrounded by forest-covered hills and rich natural landscapes. From Kombai, the adventure continues with guided trekking through dense evergreen forests to the picturesque Meenmutty Waterfalls and the lesser-known Kombai Falls, allowing visitors to explore some of the most pristine sections of the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary. The trekking route passes through tropical forests, streams, rocky paths, and natural vegetation that are characteristic of the southern Western Ghats, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. Forest guides accompany participants throughout the programme, providing information about the area's ecology, flora, fauna, and conservation initiatives while ensuring responsible movement inside the protected forest. Depending on weather conditions and seasonal wildlife activity, visitors may observe a variety of native birds, butterflies, reptiles, and small mammals commonly found within the sanctuary, although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as the forest remains a natural habitat. Another unique aspect of the Kombai Camp is the opportunity to visit the Kombai tribal settlement, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of indigenous communities that have historically coexisted with the surrounding forests. The programme emphasizes environmental awareness and sustainable tourism rather than adventure alone, encouraging participants to appreciate the ecological significance of the Neyyar landscape while minimizing their impact on the fragile ecosystem. Meals are included as part of the package, eliminating the need for visitors to make separate food arrangements during the stay and allowing them to focus entirely on the outdoor experience. The overnight camping environment provides a rare chance to enjoy the tranquility of the forest after sunset, far from urban surroundings, while experiencing the sights and sounds of nature in a regulated and secure setting. Kombai Camp is suitable for trekkers, photographers, birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an authentic forest experience that combines physical activity with nature education. As the programme operates inside a protected wildlife sanctuary, participant numbers, access, and schedules may be regulated depending on weather conditions, conservation requirements, and forest management policies. According to the official Neyyar eco-tourism package information, the tariff for Kombai Camp is ₹4,750 for a group of five Indian visitors, with an additional charge of ₹950 for each extra Indian participant. For foreign visitors, the package costs ₹6,750 for five persons, with ₹1,350 for every additional participant. The package includes the overnight stay, guided trekking, the 13-kilometre boat ride to the Kombai tribal settlement, and meals during the programme. Visitors planning to join the camp are advised to make advance reservations and follow all instructions issued by the Kerala Forest Department, as the availability of eco-tourism programmes within Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary may vary depending on climatic conditions, conservation requirements, and operational guidelines.

🚆 Railway:Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station / Balaramapuram Railway Station

✈️ Airport: Trivandrum International Airport

🚌 Bus: Neyyar Dam Bus Stop / Kattakada Bus Stand / Vithura Bus Stand

🏨 Stay: Forest rest houses, eco-camp tents, and lakeside cottages available inside Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby forest zones

✅ Notes: Neyyar Dam / Forest Camp Stay, Neyyar offers a serene lakeside and forest camping experience with wildlife sanctuary surroundings, boating, nature trails, watchtower views, and eco-tourism activities, ideal for peaceful stays, family trips, and nature exploration near the Western Ghats.