About Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the Western Ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is being considered as a World Heritage Center by UNESCO. It attracts a large number of visitors, who come to experience the weather and greenery of western ghats. It covers an area of around 90 square kilometres and the average rainfall received here is 500mm; not a lot, but it is satisfactory. For most of the year, the climate in the sanctuary is hot and dry which is rather contrary to the climate of the rest of the state.

If you’re a trekker, you’re in for a treat because Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to distinguished peaks like Nanadala Malai, Kottakombu Malai, Vellaikal Malai, Kumarikkal Mala, and Viriyoottu Malai. The icing on the cake? The pristine sight of Thoovanam Waterfalls which is sure to leave you awestruck.

The Chinnar and the Pambar rivers flow through the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. They add on to the scenic beauty, provide water to the fauna of the sanctuary all-round the year and support the natural ecosystem of the place. Originating from Anamudi Hills, the Pambar River first flows into the Eravikulam National Park and then flows further into this Wildlife Sanctuary. The Chinnar River originates from the Anaimalai Hills and flows down to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to 11 tribes who live in harmony with the wilderness. These tribes have a demarcation from each other, which is accomplished by using stone walls. The prominent inhabitants are the Muthuvas and the Pulayars and the agriculture of lemongrass, ragi, and maize are practised in these settlements. When visiting the sanctuary, a trip to these settlements is highly recommended as no one understands the ins and outs of the sanctuary- the wildlife, the forests, and the climate, as they do. If you want to uncover hidden gems within the sanctuary, take some time out to be with them and you will get to witness their diverse social and cultural traditions.

Owing to these facts, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary has been declared as a biodiversity hotspot and welcomes visitors from all over the world. The rivers, the forest, the fauna, the waterfall, the trekking- all this combined is an awesome package for nature lovers.

Visit Chinnar National Park

How to Reach

Munnar, the closest major town to the sanctuary, is situated about 50 kilometres away. There is also a small town called Marayoor Town which is just 9 kilometres away from this wildlife sanctuary. If you choose to come to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary via road, you can take the Munnar-Udumalpet road passes right through the sanctuary.

By train, it is preferable to reach the Pollachi Railway Station which is around 65 kilometres away from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. One could also take a train to the Coimbatore Railway Station which is at a distance of 105 kilometres from the Sanctuary.

If you are visiting via a flight, your destination should be the Coimbatore Airport in Tamil Nadu, because from there, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is just around 110 kilometres away by car. You could also reach the Cochin International Airport in Kerala which is about 150 kilometres away from the sanctuary, or the Madurai Airport in Tamil Nadu which is about 200 kilometres from the destination.

From Bangalore, one can either take a road trip to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary via NH 44 and NH55 which would be around 430 kilometres away but a flight to Cochin International Airport could be the fastest way. Thereafter, a car can be taken to the sanctuary.

Buses are also available from different places that drop directly at the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, like Munnar, Marayoor, etc.

Best Time To Visit- Winter Months

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is present in the rain shadow region of the South of the Western Ghats. Thus, the climate that is experienced here is generally hot and dry throughout the summer months. However, a satisfactory rainfall is witnessed during the monsoon due to which the insect increases in abundance. Therefore, winter months are the ideal time to visit the sanctuary because a mild and cold climate is experienced at that time. The best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to April because it is also easy for tourists to explore the wilderness in a better atmosphere and observe its true beauty. The altitude ranges from 500 - 2,400 m above sea level, so there is a huge variation that can be seen in the climate in the sanctuary.

Things to Know Before Visiting the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Accommodations

The best part is that the visitors can stay in treehouses within the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy nature, away from the hustle-bustle of the city life. The provision of these treehouses is a sure shot way to make the tourists feel rested and allow them to rejuvenate in the heart of nature. The treehouses are located at a high level from the ground; therefore one has to trek a little before finally reaching them. During this trek, one might also come across some passing wildlife and have a thrilling encounter on the way. These treehouses are also called Machans and are built in such a way that they can comfortably accommodate around 4 to 6 people. These houses are properly furnished with running water and electricity powered by solar panels. Breakfast and Dinner facilities are available at your humble abode too. It is a complete package to enjoy the atmosphere and the surroundings to the greatest extent. Animal sounds and chirping of the birds can be heard which gives the real essence of being one with nature.

Apart from that, if one wishes to live outside of the sanctuary, there are options available for that too.

The Munnar Wild Stay Hotel which is around 4.5 kilometres away from the sanctuary offers a variety of services like Body Massages, Car Rental, Night Club and Bonfire for recreational purposes. All rooms have balconies for guests to enjoy the beautiful view. The hotel is also equipped with a terrace and sundeck to further help guests experience the tranquillity of nature. Barbeque facilities are also available at the hotel which is a delight for the foodies.

The Sandal Breeze Hotel is present about 6 kilometres away from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. For travellers with a tight budget, this hotel provides great value for money. It has its own natural sandalwood forests for tourists to witness. An event hall and a bakery are present within the hotel. The view from the balcony is beautiful. Laundry services can also be availed here.

The Marayoor Holidays Hotel which is about 6.2 kilometres away from the sanctuary, offers a pet-friendly stay for the guests. Private parking is available at this hotel. The lodging offers a comfortable stay and another interesting feature is the presence of shared kitchens which help guests mingle with each other and make a quick bite. Bikes can be hired from the hotel itself.

Situated 10.3 kilometres away from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is the Golden Fern Resort. This property also has a terrace and a verandah alongside the balconies in the guests’ rooms to see the beautiful scenery outside. A library is also present within the hotel. The hotel also has various packages for the guests like Tours and Treks to the various waterfalls and the Jungle Safari in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Entry Fee and Other Fees

The Entry Fees are as follows-

For Indian Citizens- INR 10
For Kids below 12 years of age and Students- INR 5
For Foreign Nationals- INR 100
For a Camera- INR 25
For a Video Camera- INR 150
For a Light Vehicle- INR 50
For a Heavy Vehicle- INR 150

3.Timing in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is open for the tourists from 8 am to 5 pm, all days of the week.

4. Activities To Do in the Sanctuary

There are numerous activities and sights in the sanctuary that can be enjoyed at a combined cost of INR 200 per head for Indians and INR 300 per head for Foreigners.

The following attractions are included

Chinnar Riverside Trekking
Koottar Riverside Trekking
View from the WatchTower
Churulipetty Riverside Walking
Thoovanam Waterfalls Trekking
Cave Paintings
Megalithic Burial Sites
Wildlife Safari

Apart from these activities, visitors can also enjoy Nature Trailing and Bird Watching. A walk in the medicinal gardens could also be a therapeutic and peaceful experience.

Trekking in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a dream come true for trekkers of all levels and to have the most fun, you can customize treks to match your preferences. The treks conducted usually lasts 3 hours and are really intense. While trekking, you could also indulge in bird watching, butterfly watching, wildlife spotting, and observation along with plants, herbs and forest exploration, and if you’re a history geek, explore the archaeological sites as well.

These adventures are conducted by the Department of Forests and Wildlife in association with the Eco-Development committees of these areas which majorly comprise of the tribal members who live in the wildlife sanctuary. Different kinds of treks are available to tourists, which have their own specialities. These treks are dependent on the trail and the duration that people choose. Generally, English speaking guides accompany the tourists on these treks so that everyone can comprehend and understand things with ease. Two trek options are available to tourists and can be chosen based on their preferences. These options are the morning trek and the evening trek.

Vyasiapara trek is a famous trek that is loved by the visitors because it involves an overnight stay in a thatched hut amongst the wonder of nature. This gives the visitors a total feel of being one with nature and provides a really enriching experience.

A two-night three-day trek is also available where the tourists can take a tour of the prehistoric sites to witness Dolemnoid Cists and also explore the wilderness. Another speciality is the cave painting sites that are widely loved by the visitors.

A trip to the tribal settlements is a must-do when you are visiting the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, it is part of the itinerary of both the treks.

Needless to mention that the natural beauty of this place is mesmerizing. The mind-blowing scenery of the hills, plains, and the forest leave the tourists awestruck. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary also attracts a lot of photographers because of the sunrise and sunset where the sky is painted with contrasting colours, which truly is a must watch sight!

You can choose various treks like the Kootar trek, Chinnari Trek, Alampetty trek, Churulipetty trek, Jellimala, or the Thoovanam Falls Trek as well which provide a different experience.

Jeep Safari in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are a nature enthusiast, the wildlife safari in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary will leave you amazed owing to its astonishing variety of flora and fauna. There are dry deciduous forests, thorny scrub forests, high sholas, and wet grasslands that form the flora of this sanctuary.

The wildlife here is also rather amazing. Be it the majestic tigers, or the little egrets- all varieties of animals are present.

Different packages of safaris are available and they have different routes and starting points. Open jeeps are taken by the guide and the tourists to accomplish this amazing safari. You can witness the true beauty of the sanctuary in open jeeps and see all kinds of animals resting and taking a stroll in the dense forests. You also get to see numerous birds and insects. The Night Safari is an exquisite experience too when you can drive through the forest in a nice breeze. If you visit the sanctuary in your own vehicle, you need to get it registered at the Forest Department’s Office.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a one-stop destination for all the nature admirers. If you need to get out of the city noise and take some time to yourself, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful option.

Flora and Fauna of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The flora and fauna of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are really diverse.

Flora

A stunning variety of flora is present. Around 965 species of flowering plants can be seen here. Medicinal plants that are native to the Western Ghats can also be found. Southern Tropical thorn forests are observed which have trees like Acacia, Euphorbia, Ziziphus etc. Trees like Hardwickia binata, Canthium coromandelicum, Shorea roxburghii which are of the dry deciduous category and the moist deciduous trees like Grewia tiliifolia, Wrightia tinctoria and Indigofera pulchella exist together in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The flora is so extensive that even Riparian forest, Hill shola forest and grasslands grow here.

Fauna

Different species of reptiles, mammals, birds and butterflies inhabit the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Grizzled Giant Squirrel is only found in the riparian forest of this sanctuary in the whole state of Kerala. Another rare animal found in this sanctuary is the Manjampatti White Bison, which is a gaur. It has a unique ash grey colour and is a distinctive creature observed here. Bonnet, Common Langur, Wild Boar, Rusty Spotted Cat, Elephant, Leopard etc. can be spotted roaming in the wilderness. If you are lucky enough, you may spot majestic tigers too. There are about 28 species of mammals that are found here.

Around 50 plus species of reptiles, including the Indian Star Tortoise, are seen in the scrub forest lands. Kollegal Ground Gecko, which is found in Sri Lanka too, lives in this sanctuary. Out of these 52 approximate reptile species, 29 of them are snake species. A rare inhabitant of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is the Nilgiri Keelback, found only in Nilgiris and the Western Ghats because it is an endemic species. The Blind Snake category which includes Boas, Elapids, Viperids etc., can be seen by the tourists in this area too.

Endemic to Kerala, the Black Torrent frog is one of the 15 amphibian species found on the sanctuary grounds. Other amphibians that are observed are Ridged Toad, Malabar Flying Frog, and the Night Frog. All these frogs are endemic to the Western Ghats.

Around 14 species of fish swim in the clear waters of the Pambar and Chinnar rivers. Garra Mullya, Tor Khudree, Barilius Bendelisis, etc. are observed as colourful figures in these rivers.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a treat for avid bird watchers because around 225 species of birds are present here. Butterflies of all colours fly around and during monsoon, their migration can be seen. Around 155 plus species of butterflies also live in the area.

This diverse ecosystem and richness of species make this sanctuary one of the richest forest reserves in Kerala.

The diversity of types of flora and fauna found in the sanctuary is astonishing and if you are a nature lover, the sanctuary is a must-visit. The great numbers of species often lure wildlife photographers, and wildlife lovers to pay a visit to the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to observe nature in its full bloom. The sanctuary is extremely popular as the storehouse of medicinal plants as well.