Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chinnar forests support a diverse variety of mammals, reptiles, birds and butterflies. The star among them is the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, a large tree squirrel. In Kerala, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel is found only in the riparian forest of the Chinnar Sanctuary. The rare Manjampatti White Bison, a gaur noted for its distinctive ash-grey color, is another special inhabitant spotted in the sanctuary.

Situated on Kerala-Tamil Nadu boarder, it is bordered with Eravikulam National Park, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home for 34 species of Mammals, including Panthers, Spotted deer, Indian Elephants, Gaur, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Common langur, Bonnet Macaque, Hanuman monkey, Nilgiri Tahr, etc.

There are multiple entry points to the safari - at Kerala boarder checkpost, at Chinnar checkpost and Alampetty checkpost. There are no organized safaris in Chinnar Sanctuary. The sanctuary can be explore by taking different trekking routes which are quite famous. Most popular trekking routes in the sanctuary are Kootar / Churulipetty, Chinnar / Alampetty (Cultural sites known for pre-historic Dolmens) and Thoovanam Falls (from Alampetty Junction) / Mathini / Jellimala. These are the guided tours (a forest guide must be accompanied) duration of the trek is usually around 3 hours. The treks are arranged between 6 to 11 AM in the morning and 3 to 6 PM in the evening. Except Thoovanam Falls trek, other treks start from KL-TN boarder checkpost.

Accommodation is available inside the sanctuary in Forest guesthouse, Treetop houses and log houses. Accommodation can be booked in advance (The Wildlife Warden, Munnar, Ph: 04865-231587) or from the forest office at the sanctuary entrance. Dormitory is also available.