Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary – Kerala
Located on the eastern ranges of the Western Ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across 90sq.km in the Idukki district of Kerala, and is canopied by lush, evergreen, and thorny scrubs. An ideal home a diverse range of wildlife, this wildlife sanctuary boasts of its more than 1,000 varieties of flowering plants, 225 avifauna species, 34 species of mammals, 36 different types of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, and 42 species of fishes. Indian Elephant, Panther, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Monkey, Sambar, and Grizzled Giant Squirrel are some of the main attractions of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
If you are planning for a Kerala trip anytime soon, you must visit the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and experience its unique ambience. Owing to its salubrious eco-system, it is revered as one of the most wonderful eco-tourism destinations in Kerala. Adding more to the charm and appeal of this wildlife reserve, there is a beautifulsandalwood forest located adjacent to the sanctuary. Also, the rugged and craggy settings of the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary entice adventure junkies to indulge in amazing trekking options around the foothills of the mighty Western Ghats.
How to Reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
1By Road:
Road journeys are considered as the best ways to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary is well-connected to most of the major parts of Kerala, and can be easily reached from popular Kerala tourist destinations like Munnar, Cochin, Ernakulam, and others.
2By Train:
Pollachi and Alluva railway stations are the nearest railway stations to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. While the former is only 60km away from the sanctuary, the latter is around 200km away.
3By Air:
Coimbatore Airport; at a distance of 115km, and Kochi Airport at a distance of 208km are the two nearest airports to reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary enjoys inland climatic conditions; mainly hot and dry. Owing to this, summers are not advisable for a trip to this wildlife park in Kerala. If you are planning for a Kerala trip, you should visit this national park during the winters; November to February.
Safari Timings in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary:
Visitors can get into the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary by paying minimal fees of INR 100 per head for a day. For students and children below 12 years, the entry fee is INR 10.In order to visit the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors must take official permissions from the Idukki Wildlife Division. Visitors can enjoy Elephant Safari and Hunter Jeep Safaris every day between 06:00AM to 06:00PM.
