Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a remarkable haven of biodiversity in Kerala, located on the Tamil Nadu border. Spread across 90.44 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a key component of the Eravikulam-Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from dry deciduous forests to grasslands, and for being home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. It serves as one of Kerala’s premier wildlife sanctuaries, and its unique landscape and wildlife make it an essential part of India’s conservation efforts.
In this article, we’ll explore the key aspects of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary—from its location near Munnar, the wildlife it hosts, to tips for travelers seeking to explore its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
The Kerala Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district, at around 60 kilometers from the popular hill station of Munnar. Varying altitudes and climatic conditions have resulted in a diversified landscape for this sanctuary, creating a proper habitat for many species of wildlife. Its closeness to the Tamil Nadu border gives it more ecological significance by maintaining the biological corridors necessary for the animals migrating from one region to another.
The dry deciduous forest, the only one in Kerala, of the sanctuary provides a strong contrast to the rainforests of the Western Ghats, which are a home to species that are accustomed to arid conditions. These include a variety of animals, birds, and plants that are endemic to this region. The sanctuary also provides an important conservation habitat for species such as the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Indian Star Tortoise, and the Nilgiri Langur.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Munnar: A Short Drive from the Hill Station
60 kilometres from Munnar is Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Munnar, a great place to explore wilderness near this popular hill station. This hill station has tea plantations and is known for its cool climate; it serves as a gateway to the sanctuary. Thus, it is possible to plan a day trip from Munnar, a perfect combination of nature and adventure. The excitement is added by the drive through winding roads lined with dense forests to Chinnar, and the sanctuary itself provides a great contrast to the more commercialized parts of Munnar.
Upon reaching, visitors can take guided tours along the trails of the sanctuary and enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife. It also offers trekking and nature walks in the sanctuary and is a favorite destination for eco-tourism. Since the sanctuary is not as crowded as other tourist spots in Kerala, it is a peaceful retreat for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Wildlife in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the more impressive attractions of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is its full and varied flora and fauna. The sanctuary forms part of an important ecological reserve wherein it houses a unique association of wildlife species, primarily because of the unique fauna inhabiting its forests and grasslands and rocky outcrops. It falls into the greater Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, declared recently a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its varied rich flora and fauna.
Some of the key species of wildlife found in the sanctuary are:
Mammals:
Grizzled Giant Squirrel: This is one of the critically endangered species, which has graying fur and is arboreal. It is one of the attractions of the sanctuary.
Nilgiri Langur: This is an endemic primate with black fur and a white beard. The species is often seen at higher altitudes in the sanctuary.
Indian Elephant: Wild elephants roam in the sanctuary, often spotted along the riverbanks.
Leopard: These shy cats are mostly found in the deep, inaccessible areas of the sanctuary.
Tigers: Though rarely seen, they do appear from time to time, making the sanctuary an integral part of the Eravikulam-Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve.
Birds:
Grey-headed Fishing Eagle and White-rumped Vulture are some of the notable birds that one can see there. It is a stopover point for migratory birds in winter.
Some other bird species are the Indian Peafowl, Malabar Whistling Thrush, and Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker.
Reptiles and Amphibians:
There are a number of snakes, which include the King Cobra and Russell’s Viper, among others, and reptiles like the Indian Star Tortoise.
Flora:
The flora of the sanctuary comprises a mix of tropical and subtropical plants, dominated by Acacia, Bamboo, and Thorny Scrub in the dry deciduous forests. The sanctuary is also home to several medicinal plants, which are used in traditional healing practices.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Images: Capturing the Essence of Wilderness
The photos taken by Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are a fine way of capturing the place’s beauty, especially for those photographers and wildlife enthusiasts. A lot can be captured at this place, from rocky terrains and dense forests to its wildlife and different colorful birds. Early in the morning or late afternoons are the right times when photography can shine with sunlight filtering through leaves, reflecting on the vegetation and wild animals.
Photographers capture sights like the rare occurrence of Grizzled Giant Squirrel or the sight of an Indian Elephant in the untainted wilderness. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary provides scope for clicking a rich list of species in the most virgin wilderness.
Information to travelers about Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
If you ever plan to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, it will be useful if the following information is provided.
Best Time to Visit :
The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the cool months from October to March, when the climate is pleasant and animals are seen more. Summer months can be quite hot from April to June with temperature exceeding 30°C. End
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 60 kilometers from Munnar. The nearest railway station is Aluva, whereas the closest airport is the Cochin International Airport. From Munnar you can hire a taxi, or you can take bus to reach the sanctuary, and there are guided tours.
It’s recommended to take a guided tour to fully experience the sanctuary. Trained naturalists can help you spot and identify wildlife, while also educating you on the conservation efforts underway.
Trekking and Activities:
Some trekking routes can be followed in the sanctuary. You have the Chinnar Trek that takes you much further inside the sanctuary, providing more intense experience. Nature walks along the river banks and observation towers for those wanting a more relaxing visit
There are no major hotels inside the sanctuary, but there are quite a few lodges and resorts around Munnar, where you can stay. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Forest Rest House provides very basic accommodation within the sanctuary, which is apt for wildlife enthusiasts who would love to stay close to nature.
Conclusion
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the beautiful and lesser-known wildlife havens in Kerala, offering a unique experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Diverse wildlife, varied landscapes, and serene environment make it a perfect destination for those looking to explore Kerala’s wilderness beyond the typical tourist spots. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a place that promises to leave you with lasting memories, whether you’re visiting to spot wildlife, capture stunning photos, or enjoy a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.
Author: Akash7084
Akash is a tour guide consultant who provides advice and guidance to the Indian tourist regarding their travel related-queries in the best possible way to satisfy the customer. Akash having 10 years of experience provide guidance to lots of Indian tourists, and he is well known for his work in this community. Akash works at Kiomoi Travels.
