Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining Tamilnadu. The area is diverse in eco systems and rich in ethnic cultural heritage. It is a well known repository of medicinal plants and supports a healthy population of grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, slender loris, wild elephant, crocodile, tiger, leopard and many a birds, insects and plants. There is an Interpretation Centre at Karimutty, two eco shops, one each at Chinnar check post and Aalampetty, an amenity centre, inspection bunglow, dormitory and cafeteria/at Chinnar check post to cater to the needs of visitors.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki is home to the Great Grizzled Squirrel of India. Numbering less than 200, they are among the most endangered species on the planet. Its unique location in the Western Ghats has ensured it gets less than 2 months of rainfall annually. The wildlife along with the deciduous trees makes it an ideal spot for trekking aficionados.

The beautiful Sandalwood forest nearby is highly recommended for a visit. One can view herds of gaur and elephants strolling around casually in this area. Dry deciduous forests, high ranges and some grassland add to the diversity of the sanctuary. While making the journey from Karimuthi to Chinnar, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Hanuman Langur and peacocks can be spotted alongside the road.

An ideal place for trekking, Chinnar is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats and receives very less rainfall every year. Due to this extensive variation of rainfall, Chinnar is blessed with a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, riparian forest, shoals and grasslands. There is an extensive sandalwood forest nearby the sanctuary, which is an added attraction.

Chinnar has about 1000 species of flowering plants and a wide variety of medicinal plants. You can see here 225 recorded species of birds and also the endangered species of Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Other important mammals that you can see here are elephant, tiger, leopard, guar, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri Tahr etc.

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is famous for its ecotourism activities, jointly organized by the Forest Department and the Ecodevelopment Committees of the local tribal communities. The eco-tourism facilities include river trekking, trekking to the cultural site, nature trail to the watchtower, a trek to the Thoovanam falls, interpretation activities and medicinal garden, tree house at Chinnar, trekking and camping at Vattappara.

Chinnar is around 60 km away from Munnar and the nearest town is Marayur, which is around 16 km away from the sanctuary. You can make a visit to Marayur, which is the land of natural sandalwood and also dolmens (ancient burial chambers) and local sharkara (yellow sugar) making units.