Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the main attractions for tourists visiting  Munnar and Idukki. The sanctuary comes under the jurisdiction of Eravikulam National Park to the south. It is one of the 18 wildlife sanctuaries that come under the protected areas of Kerala.

The vegetation at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The primary vegetation is dry deciduous forest. Besides, it has wet grasslands, thorny scrub forests, riparian forests, and high sholas. Similarly, the sandalwood forest is also there to welcome you.

The sanctuary is home to various species of flowering plants. Some are endemic to the Western Ghats such as the Santalum Album, Arabica, Neelakurinji, etc.

The wildlife at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is home to endemic and non-endemic species of animals. For instance, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel is its prime attraction. The sanctuary is also the sole rehabilitation area for the Indian star tortoise in India. You cannot spot them anywhere else. Similarly, Gaur or the Manjampatti White Bison is another highlight. Besides, you can spot various other animals such as Indian Wild Elephants, Hanuman Monkey, Common Langur, Bonnet Macaques, Nilgiri Thr, Spotted Deer, Rusty-Spotted Cats, Tufted Grey Langur, etc in the sanctuary.  

 Activities to indulge in at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Bird watching : It is the abode of a wide range of birds. These include Grey Herons, Black Eagle, Serpent Eagle, Yello-throated Bulbuls, Little Egret, etc. If you are into bird watching, you cannot miss this sanctuary.

• Trekking : If trekking is on your bucket list, then make the dream a reality at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Department of Forests and Wildlife arranges trekking for the visitors. While you roam around, you can also indulge in bird watching as well. Trekking through this preserved forest is restricted to morning and evening.

• Treehouse : You can stay in a treehouse at Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Basic amenities including water supply and electricity are there. Besides, the authorities have arranged a complimentary breakfast and dinner for the lodgers.  

• Jeep safari : Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place for a wildlife jeep safari. A safari through the forest, spotting wild animals is something every traveller to Munnar aspires for. A two hr jeep safari costs INR 2000.

The best season to visit is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

You can visit the park any time of the year. However, the best season would be from December to February. The climate is pretty much pleasant during this season.