Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique protected area located in the rain shadow region in the eastern slope of Western Ghats, adjoining Kerala and TamilNadu covering a total area of 90.44 km2 . The sanctuary is diverse in eco systems and rich in ethnic cultural heritage. Chinnar was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in August 1984.
A walk through these riverine forests along Chinnar and Pambar, which is a unique thorny scrub forest provides a rare opportunity to catch a glimpse of the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel and the famous albino bison or ‘the white bison of Manjampatti’. These gaurs are notable for their distinctive ash-grey colour as opposed to the almost black colour of most gaurs. Since 1929, there have been at least 19 documented sightings of these rare animals.
It is a well known repository of medicinal plants and supports a healthy population of Star Tortoise, Tufted Grey Langur, Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Slender Loris, Wild Elephant, Crocodile, Tiger, Leopard and many rare birds, insects and plants.
Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets less than two months of rain every year. Rich in wildlife and ethnic cultural heritage, the place has a bit of ancient history thrown-in with a several hundred ‘Dolmens’ and ancient tombs. The mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking. You will be trekking amidst a wildlife Sanctuary that provides livelihood to help maintain the cultural heritage of tribes such as Hill Pulayas and Muthuvans. You can also witness the archaeologically significant megalithic burial sites en-route, consisting of dolmens and cysts, dating back to the early Neolithic period (4000 to 3000 BC).
There is an Interpretation Centre at Karimutty, two eco shops, one at Chinnar check post and the other at Aalampetty, inspection bungalow, dormitory and cafeteria at Chinnar check post to cater to the needs of visitors. The eco-tourism facilities include river trekking, trekking to the cultural site, nature trail to the watch tower, a trek to the Thoovanam falls, interpretation activities and medicinal garden, tree house at Chinnar, trekking and camping at Vasyappara.
The Sanctuary is accessible from Kochi (180 km) and Coimbatore (110 km) airports along main roads. The Munnar-Udumalpet road that passes through the Sanctuary for 16 km roughly divides it into more or less equal portions. The nearest railway station in Kerala is Aluva (180km) and in Tamil Nadu is Pollachi (60km). The nearest town is Marayoor.
Book your experience at Chinnar here.
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