Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known repository of medicinal plants along with a rich diversity of animals. The sanctuary houses a good population of the grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, tufted grey langur, gaur, spotted deer, slender loris, wild elephant, crocodile, tiger, leopard, along with many bird and insect species. There are close to 144 species of animals, 225 recorded species of birds, 1000 species of flowering plants, and a wide variety of medicinal plants in the forest. This diverse ecosystem and richness of species make this sanctuary one of the richest forest reserves in Kerala. The unique topography of this sanctuary combines deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, riparian forest, shoals, and grasslands; making it an ideal place for nature expeditions. It is a perfect place for trekking as well.

This sanctuary is also famous for its eco-tourism activities, which are jointly organised by Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees of the local tribal communities. These amenities 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 Vasyappara. It is also widely known for bird watching. The rich variety of birds here also includes the rare species of yellow-throated bulbuls. The sanctuary is extremely popular as the storehouse of medicinal plants, as well.