Chinnar WildLife Sanctuary, Munnar

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area near Munnar town in the Idukki district of Kerala. It lies on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, close to the Tamil Nadu border. It has a dry and thorny forest landscape, which houses a wide variety of animals and plants.

It covers an area of about 90 sq.km and includes grasslands, dry deciduous forests and rocky hills. The sanctuary is known for its rich wildlife. Visitors can spot animals like elephants, Indian leopards, spotted deer, langurs and even the rare Grizzled Giant Squirrel, which is found only in few places in South India.

Significance

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many types of birds, butterflies and medicinal plants. Visitors can explore the area on jeep safaris. The sanctuary also has eco friendly stay options like tree houses and forest huts. It is important for biodiversity conservation. 

It protects many rare, endangered and endemic species, which means some of the plants and animals here are not found anywhere else in the world. It plays a big role in preserving the natural balance of the region.

It gives visitors a chance to learn about wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting forests. The local tribal tourism communities like the Muthuvan tribe, are also involved in eco tourism activities, helping preserve their traditional lifestyle.

How To Reach

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is located 9.3 KM away from Marayoor bus stand. You can take a local taxi or bus to reach the sanctuary from the bus stand.