chinnar

This wildlife sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Located amidst the beautiful backwaters of Devikulam in the Idukki district of Kerala, Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is the habitat of a variety of wildlife including some of the endangered species of wild animals. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984, the sanctuary is spread over an area of about 90 sq km in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Due to its location, Chinnar gets comparatively less rainfall than other regions of Kerala. The climate of Chinnar supports a unique thorny scrub forest of Xerophytic species. The flora here comprises of dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands that supports a variety of wildlife. Marayoor sandal trees found here are known for their exotic fragrance and are very popular in India. The sanctuary comprises the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India. Tourists get an opportunity to watch the animals at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.

Wildlife Population - Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer, Panther, Sambar, The Endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman Langur, Rabbit Etc

Airport: Coimbatore and Cochin.

Railway Station: Pollachi (60 Km) And Aluva (200 Kms)