Name: Munnar
Rating: 4.3

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar Overview

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats and is a part of the Idukki District. Spread over an area of 90.44 km², This region is richly populated with a wide array of indigenous flora and fauna which makes it a popular tourist destination. Chinnar houses a myriad variety of medicinal plants, and as the home to start tortoise.

Its animal population includes species such as grizzled giant squirrel, gaur, spotted deer, tufted grey langur, slender loris, crocodile, wild elephant, tiger, leopard and many birds. Since it is a government-protected enclosure, you can experience flora and fauna in its natural habitat, uninterrupted by the clamour of the city. The mixed deciduous forests found here are ideal for some rudimentary trekking as well.

Flora and Fauna at 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.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers three-hour trekking and camping, for the travellers. These treks are specially customised according to the interests of the travellers. These treks can include various activities like bird watching, wildlife watching, butterfly watching, plants and herbs and archaeological sites. The choice of trekking trails also depends upon the physical fitness of the travellers, the personal hygiene required by the visitors and their selection of food and drinks as well.

English-speaking guides properly guide these treks, and hence can be enjoyed by everyone with the utmost ease. The Department of Forests and Wildlife organises these treks in association with Eco-development committees formed by tribal communities. There are various options of treks depending on their duration and the trail chosen by the guests. Their Vysiapara trek is extremely liked by their visitors, primarily because of the overnight stay in a thatched hut amidst the scenic beauty.

Treehouses at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary has a unique facility for its patrons- tree house stays. A remote and quiet stay tucked away into the heart of the forest, the experience of the sanctuary is only enhanced by this provision. The route up to and around the tree house is a gentle trek where you are bound to encounter a few furry friends, and undoubtedly, these encounters are quite thrilling. You might not find extravagant luxuries of excellent hotels here, but the experience of sharing your living space with the wild is a once in a lifetime encounter worthy of your attention.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fees

INR 10 for Indian Nationals (INR 5 for children below the age of 12 and students),
INR 100 for Foreign Nationals,
INR 150 for video camera,
INR 50 for still camera,
INR 150 for heavy vehicle,
INR 50 for light vehicle.

Best Time To Visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The area experiences hot and harsh climate during summer months and a substantial rainfall during the monsoon months. Hence, winter months are the ideal time to visit the sanctuary. The winter months are mild and pleasantly cold.

Map of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Safari

Timings: Visitors can enjoy the Elephant Safari and Hunter Jeep Safari throughout the week from 6 AM to 6 PM.
Duration: Approximately 2 Hours.
Fee: Around INR 2000.

How To Reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tourists can reach Chinnar by bus as it is well connected by daily bus services in Munnar. The distance between Munnar and Chinnar is only 65 km. The nearest town to Chinnar is Marayur, which is located at a small distance of 16 km from the sanctuary. It is known widely for natural sandalwood, dolmens and local sharkara.

Attractions in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is one of the twelve wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. The UNESCO World Heritage Community is considering the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, along with the Western Ghats and the Anamalai sub-cluster for selection as a world heritage site. There are some significant peaks located in the sanctuary, namely Kumarikkal Mala peak, Nanadala Malai, Kottakombu Malai, Vellaikal Malai and Viriyoottu Malai. The sanctuary receives its considerable share of water from Chinnar and Pambar rivers. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to the Thoovanam Waterfall, which lies on the Pambar River.

Inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, there are 11 tribal settlements, demarcated by temporary stone walls. This famous sanctuary is visited by many tourists, especially nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It has been declared as a biodiversity hotspot due to its unique topography and abundance of flora and fauna.