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Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary
 Location
:
Idukki, Kerala
Main Attractions
:
Giant Grizzled squirrel, Elephants, Spotted Deer
Best Time To Visit
:
Throughout The Year Except In Monsoon Months
Declared Sanctuary in
: 1984
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary `Lying in Devicolam Taluk of Idukki district, chinnar was confirmed as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. It is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. It is the second habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel in India. With an area of 90.422 sq kms, Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest.
The undulated terrains with rocky patches increase the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. As the altitute varies from 500 to 2400 metres within a few kilometre radius, there is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai(1845 metre). Unlike in most forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons). The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands
Main Attractions
Elephants, gaurs, panthers, spotted deer, sambars, grizzled, giant squirrels, Hanuman langurs, peacocks, star tortoises and Travancore evening brown.
The Wild Population
The main attractions of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are Elephants, Gaurs, Panthers, Spotted Deer, Sambhars, Grizzled Giant Squirrels, Hanuman Langurs, Peacocks, Star Tortoises and Travancore evening browns.
Viewing the Wild
Recently erected watch towers rise high above the vegetation and permit a fascinating view of the game.
Access
Nearest Airport - Coimbatore and Cochin.
Nearest Railway Station - Pollachi (60 Km) and Aluva (200 Kms).
Area
Total - 90.422 Sq.Km.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air : Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, about 150 kms from Munnar.
Rail: Nearest railway station is at Ernakulam
BEST TIME TO VISIT
One can visit the sanctuary almost throughout the year except during the months of October and November. Visiting time: 0700 -1800 hrs |
