About

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. located 18 km north of Marayoor on SH 17 in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor Panchayats of Devikulam Taluk in the Idukki district of Kerala state in South India. The south side of the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is covered by Eravikulam National park and the north side is by Indira Gandhi wildlife sanctuary. it has an area of 91 sq. km and lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. With an altitude that ranges from 400 m at Chinnar to 2144 m at Mottakkumalai, the undulated terrain with rocky patches adds to the scenic splendor of the sanctuary. Chinnar is located in the rain shadow region of Western Ghats and receives very less amount of rainfall every year. Due to this extensive variation of rainfall, Chinnar is blessed with a wide array of habitat types like deciduous forests, dry thorn scrub, riparian forest, shoals, and grasslands.

There is an extensive sandalwood forest nearby the sanctuary, which is an added attraction. The dry open scrub forests of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary provide excellent habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and others. Chinnar has the only population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Kerala. Chinnar has about 1000 species of flowering plants and a wide variety of medicinal plants. You can sight here 225 recorded species of birds and also the endangered species of Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. The Chinnar plains have large congregations of wild gaur, spotted deer and sambar. Tigers are present as are leopards. Experience trackers will indicate big cat markings, making trekking trails truly an unforgettable experience. Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is famous for its eco-tourism activities, jointly organized by Forest Department and the Eco-development Committees of the local tribal communities. The eco-tourism facilities include river trekking, trekking to the cultural site, nature trail to the watchtower, a trek to the Thoovanam falls, interpretation activities and medicinal garden, tree house at Chinnar, trekking, and camping at Vasyappara.  

Trekking

The guided trekking to the dry deciduous forests and through the riparian forest along the Chinnar river, visit the archaeological remnants, the dolmens, and the sandal forests are all the more exciting. The luxurious waterfall, spreading over about 100 meters wide will steal the hearts of all. Bird and butterfly watching are added advantages. 

Marayur Heritage Safari

• Check-in Point: Karimutty Interpretation center| Check in Time: 9 AM
• Packages: 3 hours – 5 Locations     Rs:3500/-  ( For all members) 6 hours – 10 locations    Rs:5000/-  ( For all members) Maximum 6 persons only. (*Only 3000/- Rs will be collected from online. Balance amount paid by cash at the time of Check-in)

Marayur is an amphitheater surrounded by National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Reserve forests. It has high uniqueness due to geographical, climatic and cultural richness. The presence of Muniyara) and shows the great archeological importance of this area. The and of Marayur are well known to the world. The of Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas are suigeneris by its own. The panoramic view of step cultivation lands of Marayur surrounded by huge mountains is mesmerizing. Marayur Heritage Safari explores all these enchanting uniqueness within a few hours.

Visiting Places

• Ezhuthala
  
• Marayur Grammam
• Megalithic Park
• Anakottapara
• Sugar Cane Farm
• Kezhanthoor Viewpoint
• Kolachavayal Tribal settlement
• Bhramaram viewpoint
• Perumala Fruit orchard
• Nachivayal Sandal Reserve

Tips

• Make sure to wear bug spray and check for ticks.
• Be careful if you see elephants near the roadside.  Do not provoke by the sounding horn, raising speed etc.
•  Take a night-safari trip you can spot some beautiful wild animals.
• It only had trekking facility for 3 hours on a walk for 3km up and down. with a guide and will cost around INR 225 per person. 
• don't forget to Bring binoculars 

Timings