Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the district of Idukki, Kerala. The sanctuary was established in the year 1984 and covers an area of around 90sq.kms. The place receives a much lesser rainfall as it is located in the rain shadow area of Western Ghats. The beautiful rocks along with the vegetation covers lend an enchanting look to the ambience. The beauty  of the sanctuary  is magnified with  the peaks Nandala Malai , Kottakombu Malai , Vellaikkal malai and Viriyoottu malai  .It is not be noted that the Anamudi Peak which is the highest peak in South India is situated adjacent to Chinnar sanctuary , in Eravikulam National park . The main rivers flowing through the place are Chinnar  and Pambar .Chinnar river originates from Kumari malai and joins Amaravati river in Tamil nadu ,where Anaimudi hills are the originating  place of pamabar river .The rivers are perennial and these rivers flows eastwards .The river Kabani , and Bhawani are the other rivers in Kerala  which flows towards east .The Pamabar river and Chinnar river meets at Koottar .The Thoovanam waterfalls is another attraction of Pambar river .This site attracts masses and its been a major attraction of this area.

Flora & Fauna

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is enriched with a vast cover of vegetation that includes the thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forest, wet grasslands and high sholas. Some of the common species of flora found here are acacia leucofolia (velvelam), strobilanthus kunthianus (neelakurinji), santalum album (chandanam), arabica (karivelam), elaeocarpus recurvatus (bhadraksham) etc. The place also abounds in wide array of animals like sambar, little cormorants, bonnet macaques, tigers, gaur, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, darters, kraits and many more. Other major fish species available are Galla mullya minnows , Giant danio , and river Carp baril .White bison is also been spotted in Chinnar wild life sanctuary 3. . Marayoor sandalwood forest  situated here is very famous .Acacia leucofolia , Acacia Arabica , Optunia strica are the main plants seen here which can even survives lack of water .The forest type is mainly deciduous , and famous for medicinal plants .Even endangered trees and reported to be in the forest.  Different types of trees such as the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species are visible. Other than this the flora that can be seen in this Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala are dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands.

Major Attractions:

Gizzled Giant Squirrel: The riverine forests along with Chinnar and Pambar support a large number of highly endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrels. The sanctuary plays host to the second largest population of Grizzled Giant Squirrels in the world.

Thoovanam Waterfalls: Deep within the sanctuary, the spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls is located. The river Pambar flows eastwards through the sanctuary and plummets down from a great height on the river Chinnar. Indian Wildlife Department permit tourists to visit the falls as part of wildlife tourism.

Watch Tower: Standing on the lofty watchtower, one can have a panoramic view of the entire park and the wildlife beauties, adjoining jungles in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and also the magnificent mountains far away.

River trekking,Trekking ,Nature trail to the watch tower,Trek to Thoovanam falls,Interpretation activities and medicinal Garden,Tree house at Chinnar,Machans at Koottar,Karakkad and Champakkad,Trekking and camping at Vasyappara  are the main activities for the visitors.

Best Time to Visit: December to April.

Sanctuary timings are from 7 AM to 5 PM.

It’s an elephant country, so it is better to avoid walking or driving around the road, especially in the night.

One can hire a guide from the Eco development committee situated next to the Chinnar forest check post.

How to reach

Nearest railway station: Aluva and Pollachi

Nearest airport: Cochin international airport airport