Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Idukki district. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November. The sanctuary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marazoor – Udumalpet road. This sanctuary is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of India. This sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without going deep into the jungles. The Marazoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are also located here.

This sanctuary covers an area of 90.422 square km. However, the best time to visit this sanctuary is almost throughout the year, but the tourists are not allowed during October and November. The vegetation here consists of the thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species, dry deciduous forests and high shoals and wetlands.

The major wildlife attraction in the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is the endangered giant grizzled squirrel. Besides this, some other wildlife animals found in this sanctuary are the Elephant, Tigers, Gaur, Spotted deer, Panther, Sambar, Hanuman Langur, Rabbit, Bonnet Macaque, Kraits, Spectacled cobras, Turtles, Vipers, Little cormorants, Darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating and trekking.