Chinnar wildlife sanctuary

About Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

This prominent site of the Western Ghats placed at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala is known for its richness in terms of wildlife and its distinctive weather conditions when it comes to rainfall. With its challenging terrain, the sanctuary becomes one of the best trekking places in Munnar and the country. The representative site is definitely among the best places to visit in Munnar and it is also a top location in all Munnar tour packages.

History of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

It was in August 1984 that the park was declared a protected reserve to support the diverse ecology. The rivers Pambar and Chinnar flow through the terrain and support the wildlife here. 

Major attractions

1. World Heritage Site

One of the prime specifications of the site is its status of consideration among the sites of World Heritage as ranked by the eminent UNESCO. With just Forty-eight days of precise rainfall, the Sanctuary is quite opposite from Munnar excessively high rate of rainfall during monsoons.

2. Trekking

Trekking is one of the major attractions of the site as trek routes are the sole medium to enjoy the Safaris and the lush surroundings of the place because of the lack of specifically organized Safari timings. One has to go through the exciting jungle routes in order to get a closer look at the area without disturbing the natural habitat. People from across the globe come to enjoy the trek at this hidden gem.

3. Safaris 

Mostly commencing from the entry post at the Tamil Nadu and Kerala border, the wonderful Safari tour is conveniently divided into two time slots. With proper guides given to the visitors interested in the Safari, it begins from 6 in the morning till 11 for the morning slot, while it begins at 3 in the afternoon till 6 in the evening for the evening slot. Some of the most popular Trek routes are Kootar, Alampetty, Mathini, Chinnar, Jellimala, and Churulipetty. Apart from all these, the famous Thoovanam falls is a little different in comparison as its entry point is accessible from the Alampetty Junction, unlike others.

4. Wildlife

Home to over Thirty-five species of exotic animal species, the lovely nationalized sanctuary is quite popular among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. With Langurs, Panthers, NilgiriTahrs, Tigers, deers, elephants and several other exotic animals, the Sanctuary is a must-visit place for every wildlife lover.

5. Natural accommodation

Treetop Guesthouses, Forest Cottages and many more accommodation services so close to nature are available near the sanctuary premises which make it quite a popular place to visit in Munnar and a prime part of Munnar tour packages.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary jeep safari

One of the most interesting features to attract visitors to this wildlife park is its jeep safari. The safari takes visitors along the rustic terrain and offers a thrilling experience never to be forgotten. The jeeps used are 4X4. Animals to be spotted in a jeep safari include panthers, deer, elephants, and tigers. 

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary trekking fare

The trekking is guided that takes trekkers along deciduous jungles and the beautiful Chinnar River. The fare is fixed for Indians at Rs. 225, foreigners at Rs. 615 for 2 to 3 hours trek, Rs. 600 and Rs. 1300 for a 6 hourly trek. 

River flows through Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

There are two main rivers, namely Pambar and Chinnar that flow through the park and contribute to the ecological diversity of the park. 

With all these lovely highlights, the wildlife sanctuary becomes a prominent part of all Munnar tour packages and a very popular one for the adventure seeker in you.

How to reach

Distance from Munnar in kilometers from- 58 kilometers and Marayoor- 17 kilometers.