Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wild Wilderness: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, making it distinct from the lush green landscape of Munnar. Eco System Variety: Spread across 90 square kilometers, it features thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous fores ts, and high-altitude shola grasslands that provide a habitat for diverse species. Floral Wealth: The sanctuary is home to nearly 1,000 species of flowering plants, including several rare medicinal herbs and vibrant wildflowers that bloom throughout the year. Fauna Diversity: It is world-famous for being the rehabilitation center for the Indian Star Tortoise and the habitat of the Grizzled Giant Squirrel. River Influence: The Chinnar and Pambar rivers flow through this sanctuary, creating beautiful riverine forests and the spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls deep inside.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 5 Hours.Place Type:
Wildlife Sanctuary / Nature Reserve.Entry Fees:
General Entry: The entry fee is very nominal, costing around 10 INR for Indian adults and 5 INR for children, making it accessible for everyone visiting the area.
Camera Charges: There is a separate fee for photography, usually 25 INR for a ...General Entry: The entry fee is very nominal, costing around 10 INR for Indian adults and 5 INR for children, making it accessible for everyone visiting the area.
Camera Charges: There is a separate fee for photography, usually 25 INR for a still camera and about 150 INR for a video camera or professional camcorder equipment.
Trekking Fees: Guided treks like the one to Thoovanam falls cost around 200 to 300 INR per person, which includes the services of a mandatory forest guide for safety.
International Visitors: Foreign nationals are charged a higher entry fee, typically around 100 to 150 INR, with trekking charges also adjusted accordingly for international tourists.Timing:
Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open for general visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, allowing ample time to explore the main roads and the nearby watchtowers.
Trekking Hours: Guided treks usually start at 9:00 AM and must be comple...Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open for general visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day, allowing ample time to explore the main roads and the nearby watchtowers.
Trekking Hours: Guided treks usually start at 9:00 AM and must be completed by 5:00 PM to ensure the safety of visitors before the wild animals become more active at night.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time of the day to visit is early morning at 7:00 AM when the temperature is cool and the chances of spotting wildlife near the water are highest.
Seasonal Variation: During the peak summer months, it is better to visit in the late afternoon after 4:00 PM when the heat of the rain shadow region begins to subside.Special Events:
Wild Elephant Sightings: During the peak of the dry season, the forest department organizes special monitoring for elephant herds that congregate near the Chinnar river for water.
World Environment Day: The sanctuary hosts awareness programs...Wild Elephant Sightings: During the peak of the dry season, the forest department organizes special monitoring for elephant herds that congregate near the Chinnar river for water.
World Environment Day: The sanctuary hosts awareness programs and special guided tours every June to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the rain shadow ecosystem.Best Photo Spots:
Thoovanam Falls Viewpoint: This is the best spot to capture the majestic waterfall surrounded by dense greenery; it requires a bit of a trek but the shots are worth it.
The Watchtower Top: From here, you can get a wide-angle shot of the ent...Thoovanam Falls Viewpoint: This is the best spot to capture the majestic waterfall surrounded by dense greenery; it requires a bit of a trek but the shots are worth it.
The Watchtower Top: From here, you can get a wide-angle shot of the entire sanctuary and the winding Munnar-Udumalpet road against the backdrop of the massive Western Ghats mountains.
Alampetty River Bank: The point where the river flows over the rocks provides a perfect setting for long-exposure shots of the water and the unique dry-forest trees of the region.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Wildlife Spotting: Embark on a guided safari or a nature walk to spot the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Indian Star Tortoise, and herds of wild Elephants in their natural habitat.
River Trekking to Thoovanam: Take the 3-hour trek to the Thoovanam waterfalls, which involves walking through the forest and along the Pambar river for a refreshing experience.
Treehouse Stay: Book a night in the eco-friendly treehouses managed by the forest department to experience the thrill of staying in the middle of a wildlife-rich forest area.
Bird Watching: Spend a quiet morning with binoculars to identify some of the 225 avian species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Black Eagle soaring high.
Visit the Watchtower: Climb the sanctuary's wa...Wildlife Spotting: Embark on a guided safari or a nature walk to spot the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Indian Star Tortoise, and herds of wild Elephants in their natural habitat.
River Trekking to Thoovanam: Take the 3-hour trek to the Thoovanam waterfalls, which involves walking through the forest and along the Pambar river for a refreshing experience.
Treehouse Stay: Book a night in the eco-friendly treehouses managed by the forest department to experience the thrill of staying in the middle of a wildlife-rich forest area.
Bird Watching: Spend a quiet morning with binoculars to identify some of the 225 avian species, including the Malabar Grey Hornbill and the Black Eagle soaring high.
Visit the Watchtower: Climb the sanctuary's watchtower for a panoramic view of the mountains and to spot animals at the water holes during the early morning or late evening hours.
Tribal Interaction: Visit the Alampetty tribal settlement with a guide to learn about the traditional ways of the Muthuvan tribes and their deep knowledge of the forest.
Photography: Capture the unique dry-land vegetation, the colorful butterflies, and the stunning landscape of the rain shadow region which looks very different from the rest of Kerala.
Information
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Why Famous:
Biodiversity Hub: It is famous for housing the rare Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Indian Star Tortoise, making it a top destination for wildlife researchers and nature enthusiasts.
Trekking Trails: The sanctuary offers unique river trekkin...Biodiversity Hub: It is famous for housing the rare Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the Indian Star Tortoise, making it a top destination for wildlife researchers and nature enthusiasts.
Trekking Trails: The sanctuary offers unique river trekking experiences through the Pambar river, leading to the hidden and majestic Thoovanam waterfalls deep within the forest.
Tribal Heritage: It is one of the few places where visitors can learn about the ancient lifestyles of the local tribes who have lived here for centuries in harmony with nature.
Dry Forest Beauty: Unlike the typical evergreen forests of Kerala, its dry deciduous and thorny scrub vegetation offers a different kind of rugged and exotic aesthetic beauty. -
Architecture:
Stone and Watchtowers: The architecture within the sanctuary is minimal to preserve nature, featuring stone walls and eco-friendly watchtowers for wildlife observation and safety.
Tribal Settlements: There are 11 tribal colonies within the s...Stone and Watchtowers: The architecture within the sanctuary is minimal to preserve nature, featuring stone walls and eco-friendly watchtowers for wildlife observation and safety.
Tribal Settlements: There are 11 tribal colonies within the sanctuary that showcase traditional mud and bamboo architecture, reflecting the indigenous lifestyle of the Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya tribes.
The Dimensions: The watchtower stands at a height of approximately 50 feet, offering a bird's eye view of the entire 90 sq km protected area.
Eco-Lodges: The guest houses and treehouses are built using local materials like wood and thatch, blending seamlessly with the surrounding forest environment to minimize the carbon footprint. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 130 KMS away; from there, you can hire a private taxi to reach the sanctuary in about 4 hours.
By Train: The closest major railway station is Aluva or Ernakulam, approximate...By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 130 KMS away; from there, you can hire a private taxi to reach the sanctuary in about 4 hours.
By Train: The closest major railway station is Aluva or Ernakulam, approximately 140 KMS away; you can take a bus or cab to Munnar and then proceed to Chinnar.
By Road: The sanctuary is located on the Munnar-Udumalpet Road (SH 17); many state-run buses (KSRTC) and private taxis ply this route regularly from the Munnar bus stand.
By Local Transport: You can hire a jeep or an auto-rickshaw from Munnar town, though a private car is more comfortable for the 48 KM journey which takes about 1. 5 hours. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: December to February is the most pleasant time when the weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for trekking and long wildlife safaris.
Summer Part: March to May is good for animal sightings as many creatures come to the Ch...Winter Season: December to February is the most pleasant time when the weather is cool and dry, making it perfect for trekking and long wildlife safaris.
Summer Part: March to May is good for animal sightings as many creatures come to the Chinnar river for water, though the temperature can be a bit warm.
Monsoon Part: June to August should be avoided for trekking as the trails can be slippery, but the sanctuary looks incredibly fresh and green after the rains.
Time of Day: Early morning (6:30 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM) are the best parts of the day for spotting animals and enjoying the soft mountain light. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Marayoor Sandalwood Forest (7 KMS); 2. Thoovanam Waterfalls (0 KMS - inside); 3. Muniyara Dolmens (10 KMS); 4. Lakkam Waterfalls (25 KMS); 5. Eravikulam National Park (35 KMS); 6. Anamudi Peak (40 KMS); 7. Karimutty Waterfalls (5 KMS); 8. Amaravathi Dam (25 KMS); 9. Kanthalloor Village (15 KMS); 10. Tea Museum (45 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Always go with a forest guide during treks to avoid getting lost or encountering wild animals unexpectedly; carry basic first-aid for minor scratches.
Packing Essentials: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the fo...Health and Safety: Always go with a forest guide during treks to avoid getting lost or encountering wild animals unexpectedly; carry basic first-aid for minor scratches.
Packing Essentials: Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the forest, use sturdy waterproof trekking shoes, and carry a hat and sunglasses for the sunny sections.
Connectivity: Mobile signals are very weak or non-existent inside the sanctuary; do not rely on GPS and inform your hotel about your expected return time for safety.
Cash and ATM: There are no ATMs near the sanctuary; carry enough cash for entry fees, guide charges, and local snacks before leaving Munnar town.
Environmental Care: Chinnar is a plastic-free zone; ensure you do not litter and carry all your waste back to the town for proper disposal to protect the animals.
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