Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of 48 Kilometers from Munnar town and it comes under the jurisdiction of Eravikulam National Park which is the largest national park in Kerala.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Idukki district of Kerala was established in 1984 and is famous as the rehabilitation center for Indian Star Tortoise which has lot of demand and trafficked illegally as it supposed to be a good luck charm in Asia.
The UNESCO World Heritage sanctuary sprawls across a 90 sq. km area. and is one of the 13 wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala and is a popular tourist destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, photographers, and trekkers. There are 11 tribal within the sanctuary. This protected area is perched on the eastern slope of Western Ghats and it falls on the rain shadows region of the mighty mountain range. The area has one of the most diverse eco-systems that you will ever see and it shelters a multitude of micro-organisms, animal, and plant varieties.
Location of Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is called a biodiversity hotspot due to its unique topography and variety of flora and fauna. Located in the Western Ghats, the rough uncharted terrain adds to its rugged beauty. It is in the Nilgiri Range, the important peaks in the Sanctuary – Kumarikkal Mala peak, Nanadala Malai, Kottakombu Malai, Vellaikal Malai, and Viriyoottu Malai. Chinnar and Pambar Rivers are important water sources for the sanctuary.
The mesmerizing Thoovanam Waterfall is in the forest is worth a visit. It is in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats and receives rain for around 48 days.
ALSO SEE – Top 8 Waterfalls in Munnar
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is spread over the high ranges of Western Ghats. The area of the sanctuary falls in the Kanthalloor and Marayoor Panchayat of Devikulam Taluk. There is no direct railway or airway link to Munnar. The nearest airports to the location are Cochin International Airport which is 120 kilometres away and Trivandrum International airport which is 290 kilometres away. If you are employing air travel, it would be ideal to travel to Cochin and to continue the journey to Munnar via road. It takes 3.38 hours to reach Munnar from Cochin.
The nearest railway stations to the destination are Aluva and Ernakulam railway stations which are 110 and 13o kilometres away respectively.
ALSO SEE – Marayoour Tourism and Sightseeing
Flora and fauna in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Chinnar is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats and receives very less amount of rainfall every year which is one of the reasons because of which Chinnar is blessed with a wide variety of 965 species of plants. The vegetation comprises grasslands, thorny scrubs, sholas, and grassland. Chinnar houses numerous medicinal plants. There is much to see with 144 species of animals, 225 different birds, and a variety of reptiles..
The sanctuary is best known for Giant Grizzled Squirrel and being the only rehabilitation center of the Indian Star tortoise. Gaurs, spotted deers, tufted grey langurs, panthers, wild elephants, and tigers are some of the main attractions of Chinnar.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a treasure trove of bird watchers. The Yellow-throated bulbul Rock bush quail, Plum-headed Parakeet, Yellow-fronted pied woodpecker, and Small green-billed malkoha are just some species that inhabit the Chinnar forests.
Also see, Chinnakanal Waterfalls (Power House Waterfalls)
How to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
By road – Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 48 km from Munnar. Buses and taxis are available to and from Munnar. You can cover this distance in 1 hr and 45 minutes. Kerala has an excellent network of state highways, and you can reach Chinnar from other popular tourist destinations.
By train – Kottayam Railway Station is the closest major railway station (140 km) near Munnar. You can hire a cab or take a bus to the Sanctuary from the station.
By Air – The closest airport to Chinar is the Madhuria International Airport is 202 km away. The airport has excellent connectivity to major cities in India. You can hire a cab from the airport.
Best time to visit
The best time to plan your trip to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is between December to April. The weather is pleasant and you will enjoy exploring the jungle. The altitude of the forest varies from 500 m to 2400 m, so temperature and vegetation vary in Chinnar.
Entry Fee and Timings
You need permission from the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary Division. There are different timings for various activities –
- The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm
- Trekking is allowed from 9 am to 5 pm.
- Safaris from 6 am to 6 pm.
The entry fee to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is very reasonable – - For Adults Rs. 10
- For Children Rs.5
- Entry with camcorder: Rs. 150
- Entry with a still camera: Rs 25
- Trekking Charges for Indian Citizens Rs. 200 and foreigners Rs. 300
- Safari Charges: Rs. 2000
- Trekking
Things to do at Chinnar Wild Sanctuary
1. Wildlife Trekking
Wildlife Safaris at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a delightful experience. There are various entry points to the safari. You can opt for elephant safari or open jeep safaris. Alternatively, choose the night safari for a unique experience. The safari takes approximately two hours to complete.
During the safaris, you will see animals walking or resting in their natural habitat. You may spot exotic loris, spotted deer, giant squirrels, tigers, and wild elephants. You may get to see different species of birds and insects during the safari.
You have the option of using your vehicle during the trek, but you need to register it at the Forest Department office.
Trekking
Trekking in the wildlife sanctuary promises to be a surreal experience. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a three-hour trekking trip. Your trail will take you to one of the best viewpoints in the sanctuary, with an amazing view of the surrounding cliffs, terrain, and valley.
You can customize treks based on your interest and fitness levels. Choose bird watching, wildlife watching, spotting different plants and animals, or visiting the archeological site as a part of your itinerary. Morning and Evening trekking slots are available.
Popular trekking routes are – Kootar trek, Vysiapara Trek, Churulipetty trek, Chinnar trek, Alampetty trek, Thoovanam Falls, Jellimala, or Mathini trekking course.
An English Speaking Guide will accompany you during your trek. The Vysiapara Trek is popular, because of the overnight stay in a thatched hut while soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest.
2. Live in a treehouse inside the forest
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a novel opportunity of staying in the forest. You will be staying in treetop huts or machans in the heart of the forest. Each treehouse is fully furnished and supplied with water with solar energy providing electricity. You will have an unforgettable experience of hearing the sounds of various animals and birds and sharing your living space with them. The stay includes breakfast and dinner.
Tips while visiting the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Wear waterproof shoes and thick garments while trekking.
- Carry mosquito replant cream, first aid kit, sunglasses, and hat for your trek.
- Do not feed animals at the sanctuary, pluck plants, or harm animals. There are heavy fines if you are caught.
- Visitors are not allowed to camp or lit bonfires in the sanctuary.
- Carry drinking water with you while.
- There is no mobile connectivity inside the forest.
Also see, Eravikulam National Park- Entry Fee, Timings & Best Time to Visit
What do we love about Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary?
- The peculiar location of the sanctuary has showered it with the bounties of nature. The sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats; the unique environment of this place makes it home to many rare plant and animal species. If you are someone who appreciates and admires biodiversity, a visit to Chinnar can delight you. The significant features of the location like incessant rainfall, the presence of perennial streams have made it ideal for the growth of deciduous trees. The expanse of the sanctuary accommodates a dry thorny forest, deciduous forests, riparian forest, sholas, and grasslands
- The thorny forest and numerous other trees make the place stunning and picture-worthy. There are a whopping 965 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary and the multitude of flowers makes the sanctuary even more spectacular. The Eco-regions of the sanctuary is mostly grasslands and wet grasslands; every corner of the place is encrusted with lively, lush green grass.
- The elevated areas of the sanctuary are veneered with dense rainforest. A walk through the shadows of the rainforest with sunlight peeping through small gaps in the thick canopy is a delightful experience.
- The distinct ecosystem of the sanctuary makes it ideal it ideal habitat for varied forms of life. All forms of life from micro-organisms to bovine animals all look sublime in the backdrop of the picturesque flora of the sanctuary.
- The sanctuary cradles 34 species of mammals alone. The varieties of fauna include panthers, spotted deer, Indian elephants, tigers, gaur, Sambar deer, Hanuman monkey, common langur, and bonnet macaque. The sanctuary is also home to many threatened and endangered animals like Nilgiri tahr, vulnerable rusty-spotted cats, and giant squirrels.
- The spectacular fauna of Chinnar does not end in animals. The sanctuary is a hot spot of biodiversity which includes 245 species of birds which includes yellow-throated bulbuls, 52 species of reptiles which includes Indian star tortoise, vulnerable mugger crocodiles and 29 species of snakes. The streams that flow across the sanctuary along with the Pambar and Chinnar rivers nurtures 42 species of fishes. The Garra Mallya minnows, giant danio, river-carp baril, and the endangered hill stream fish Deccan mahseer amuse everyone alike. 156 species of butterflies fly around the sanctuary.
Together, this assortment of stunning wild animals, vibrant plants, and colourful flowers unfurls an ethereal image in front of every visitor.
- The Marayoor sandalwood forest is located in the vicinity of the sanctuary. The breeze flowing from the sandalwood forest carries an aromatic scent of the sandal.
- The spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls is located within the Chinnar sanctuary. The cascade of crystal clear water in the backdrop of the thick forest is awe-inspiring.
- A trekking facility is arranged for the visitors near the waterfalls; tourists can indulge in some adventure and tread to the depths of the forest.
- The place is a repository of many rare medicinal plant varieties. Many life-saving medicines are still developed from these plants. Observing and studying medicinal plants can be a thrilling experience even if you are not a medical student.
Best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is after the monsoon season. The torrential rain revitalizes the place, leaving it with an abundance of freshness and life. The monsoon season is followed by spring in Kerala. The 965 species of flowering plants will be in full bloom during this time and a colourful, magical scene will unfurl in front of your eyes during spring. The lakes and streams will be flowing in full vigour and the place will be in a celebratory mood. The summers are also tourist-friendly here. Try to avoid a visit during the peak monsoon. Incessant rainfall sometimes poses the threat of flash floods and landslides.
Many amenities are provided by the Kerala Tourism Department near the sanctuary to facilitate a tension-free exploration of the visitors. An amenity centre, two eco shops, one at Aalampetty and one at Chinnar, dormitory, inspection bungalow, and cafeteria are operating near the destination. An Interpretation Centre is available at Karimutty to cater to the needs of visitors; the centre also acts as an information centre for the visitors.
ALSO SEE – Kundala Lake Munnar
Munnar is visited for many reasons, its scenic grandeur, the invigorating climate, the adrenaline-inducing adventure activities, captivating plantations and so on. The wilderness of Munnar is not as admired as its other features. The numerous national parks and sanctuaries located in Munnar are a golden opportunity to have a tryst with wildlife and to get closer to nature. A walk into the wilderness in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary can be as exciting and adventurous as scaling the mountain heights or swimming in a waterfall.
