Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Western Ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. The sanctuary was established in 1984 and covers an area of approximately 90 square kilometers. It is situated on the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats and is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem.
The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. It is known for its dry deciduous forests, thorny scrub forests, and riparian forests. The sanctuary also has several unique habitats such as the shola-grassland ecosystem and the montane rainforest ecosystem.
Some of the wildlife found in the sanctuary includes Indian elephants, Indian bison, sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, porcupines, and several species of primates such as the lion-tailed macaque, bonnet macaque, and the Nilgiri langur. The sanctuary is also a haven for bird watchers as it is home to several species of birds such as the grey junglefowl, Indian robin, yellow-throated bulbul, and the Malabar grey hornbill.
Visitors to the sanctuary can participate in several activities such as trekking, bird watching, and camping. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between December and April when the weather is dry and pleasant.
Contact Address:
The Wildlife Warden
Eravikulam National Park
Munnar P.O, Idukki, Kerala, PIN – 685 612
Phone: +91 4865 231587
Mobile:+ 91 9447979093
Email: ww-munnar@forest.kerala.gov.in
Website: www.chinnar.org
For Information on tourism please contact, Information Assistant: + 91 8301024187
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam, about 230 km
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 204 km
How To Reach
1. By Air: To reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take the flight to Madurai International Airport, which is the nearest airport from the location. Chinnar is 65 km away from Munnar. You can hire a cab or taxi for the park.
2. By Train: Kottayam railway station is the nearest station from the sanctuary, i.e., about 140 km. On de-boarding the train, you can book a cab or hire a taxi to reach the final destination. Also, buses are well connected to the park.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is between December to April. During this time, the temperature is cool, making it easy for visitors to explore around the jungle and taking in the best of the entire location. The altitude ranges from 500 – 2,400 m above sea level, so there is a drastic variation in the climate in this park throughout the year.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary Essential Information
1. Location: Munnar – Udumalpet Road, Munnar, Kerala 685612
2. Timings: There are different timings for various activities in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary that are as follows:
The park opens daily from 6 am to 6 pm for wildlife adventures.
For trekking, you can visit between 9 am to 5 pm any day of the week.
Safari trip is allowed from 9 am to 11 am daily
3. Entry Fee:
– For Adults: INR 10
– For Kids: INR 5
– Entry with Camcorder: INR 150
– Entry with Still Camera: INR 25- Trekking charges: INR 200 for Indians and INR 300 for foreigner
4. Mobile Connectivity: There is no such mobile connectivity inside the forest premises.
5. Distance from the city center: Munnar is the nearest town from the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary that is about 48.2 km away from the spot. You can cover this distance in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Trekking
You will trail to one of the best viewpoints of the wildlife sanctuary and soak in the mind-blowing landscapes of the surrounding cliffs, rocks, and plains. Trekkers will also enjoy the mesmerizing sunrises during the hiking tour in the wilderness, radiating over the whole location.
As you start your journey through the nature trail in this park, you will surely come across a captivating species flora and fauna. You can pick from the Kootar trek Churulipetty trek, Chinnar trek, Alampetty trek, Thoovanam Falls, Jellimala, or Mathini trekking course. The surging territory with rocky patches presents the spectacular splendor of the wildlife park.
There are two trekking slots available in the park in the morning and the evening that one can choose as per their preference.
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary Accommodation
| Cottage Name | Cost for 2 persons (Indians) | Cost for 2 persons (Foreigners) | Reporting Time | Reporting Place |
| Vasiyapara Ethnic Hut | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.5000 Rs.1500 for Extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
| Karakkad tree top house | Rs3000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
| Thoovanam log house | Rs3000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
| Jellimala Log House | Rs3000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
| Churilipetty log house | Rs3000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
| Paambar or Koottar log house | Rs3000 Rs.1000 for Extra person | Rs.4000 Rs.1000 for extra person | 3:00 pm | Chinnar Check post |
Places to Eat near Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Sandal Breeze Hotel: It is a budget-friendly dining place where you can relish vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and seafood. The restaurant serves a delicious breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner meals. The staff is also friendly and will help you choose the best dish.
2. Zam Zam Bakery: This outlet is a fantastic choice to eat finger food to soothe your hunger pangs. The mouthwatering food and affordable price make it a perfect stopover to have a quick bite.
3. Hotel Suryabhavan: It is a pure vegetarian restaurant that serves tasty meals. You must visit this location to devour authentic South Indian food with perfect flavors of the city.
Travelers’ Tip before visiting Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
1. Always wear waterproof shoes and thick garments while trekking in the wildlife sanctuary.
2. Do not cause any harm to animals or pluck plants as it is illegal, and fines will be imposed on you for doing so.
3. Do not feed any animal or bird in the forest.
4. Visitors are not allowed to do camping and bonfire within the park premises.
5. Do not forget to pack a lot of water bottles with you.
6. Also, carry mosquito repellants, sunglasses, and a hat for trekking here.
7. Do not litter the park.
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