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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located 18 kms north of Marayoor in Devikulam taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is one of the twelve wildlife sanctuaries among the protected areas of Kerala. Different from all other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar is located on the leeward side (eastern slope) of the Western Ghats and gets hardly two months of rain. But that doesn’t deter the diversity of this wildlife sanctuary which clearly houses more distinct species compared to all other nearby camps.
Rankings & Ratings #13 in 21 Things to Do in Munnar
#1 in 1 Bird Watching in Munnar
#2 in 2 National Parks/Gardens in Munnar
#11 in 15 Sightseeing Spots in Munnar
#6 in 7 Photography Walks in Munnar
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a special place for wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary has plenty of birds. You also get to see a lot of elephants. Tigers are slightly rare. There are quite a few unique accommodation facilities near the sanctuary. The only problem is that it can be difficult to reach this place.
We kindly request our guests to respect the pristine environment. Please do not litter or feed the animals. In order for you to enjoy a safe trip, please stay a little away from the animals and do not cause them any indirect harm.
Chinnar with its dry deciduous scrub forests, high sholas, grasslands and a wide variety of animals is known for its rich biodiversity. It is the habitat of Gaur, Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Wild Boars, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Porcupines, Wild Dogs, Langurs, Bonnet Macaque, Jackals, Sloth Bears and much more. Gaur, Spotted Deer and Sambar are abundant in this wildlife sanctuary and are easy to spot. Leopards and Elephants are common while tigers are not so easy to sight. Apart from these, the endangered Malabar Giant Squirrel and the Common Flying Squirrel can also be seen in the sanctuary.
A vast sandalwood forest, Koottar River Side, Watch Tower, Churulipetty River Side and Thoovanam waterfalls are added attractions at Chinnar. The sandalwood forests are ideal for watching herds of Gaurs and Elephants while you enjoy the magnificent waterfalls on your way. The forest and tourism department of the state provides options for various activities, the details of which are as below.
Timings: 3:00 PM at Chinnar Check post.
Tariff: INR 4000 for two Indians and INR 5000 for two foreigners.
Timings: Before 3:00 PM at Chinnar Check post.
Tariff: INR 3000 for two Indians and INR 4000 for two foreigners.
Timings: 3:00 PM at Chinnar Check post.
Tariff: INR 3000 for two Indians and INR 4000 for two foreigners.
Chinnar is around 200 kms from the Cochin airport and about 110 kms from the Coimbatore airport. The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva, about 180 kms, while Pollachi in Tamilnadu is relatively closer at about 60 kms.
