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Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

wildlife park · Kerala

State
Kerala
Type
Wildlife Park

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, in Kerala's Idukki district near Marayoor and Munnar, is an unusual rain-shadow reserve of dry thorny scrub and deciduous forest, very different from Kerala's usual rainforests. It is known for the grizzled giant squirrel, star tortoise, elephants and a landscape dotted with sandalwood trees and ancient rock art.

When to go

Chinnar is enjoyable much of the year and is at its best from roughly December to April; it stays relatively dry when the rest of Kerala is wet.

Why visit

Trek through a rare dry-forest habitat, look for the grizzled giant squirrel and elephants, and combine it with the tea hills of Munnar and the sandalwood forests of Marayoor.

Cultural notes

The Chinnar area preserves ancient dolmens and rock art and lies within the Western Ghats, contrasting sharply with Kerala's wetter rainforests.

How to reach

By Road: Chinnar is about 60 km from Munnar on the road towards Udumalpet. By Air and Train: Coimbatore and Madurai are the nearer airports and railheads.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary guide & itineraries

Shopping

Marayoor is known for its jaggery (Marayoor sharkara); Munnar sells tea and spices.

Frequently asked questions

What makes Chinnar different from other Kerala parks?
It sits in a rain shadow, so it is a dry, thorny-scrub and deciduous habitat - unlike Kerala's usual rainforests - and shelters the grizzled giant squirrel and star tortoise.
How far is Chinnar from Munnar?
About 60 km, making it an easy add-on to a Munnar trip.

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