Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Munnar, Kerala India

Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a unique semi-arid tropical forest region lying contiguous to the Eravikulam national park. It is in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. Rare endemic flora like the critically endangered albizia lathamii and rare fauna like the endangered giant grizzled squirrel and white bison are also often sighted. With the largest number of reptilian fauna in Kerala including the mugger crocodile and 225 recorded species of birds, it is indeed a unique biosphere area of 90.422 Sq. km. Chinnar has the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. There is a drastic variation in the climate and vegetation, as the altitude varies from 500 to 2,400 metres within a few Kilometres radius.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies 60 Km from Munnar, a mixture of thorny scrub and deciduous forest that is home to some of Kerala most interesting wildlife. The prima donna here is the highly endangered giant grizzled squirrel, of which as estimated global count is less than 200. Other than this extremely rare creature, Chinnar resident species include elephants, tigers, chital, Sambhar, Indian bison and monkeys.

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 Km from Marayoor and 52 Km from Munnar. This sanctuary is the home of elephants, leopards, and bear. Top Station, bordering the state of Kerala, offers spectacular views of the Western Ghats.

Another wildlife sanctuary accessible from Munnar is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is at a distance of 52 Km from Munnar. The sanctuary is the natural habitat of elephants, leopards and bear.

border of two states (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) - is located at 61 Km away from Munnar on the way to Coimbatore. Chinnar was declared as a Indra Gandhi wildlife sanctuary in 1984 which covered an area of 90.422 Sq.Km. The undulated terrain with rocky patches increases the scenic splendour of the sanctuary. The forest type comprise scurb forests, dry deciduous forests, high Sholas and wet grasslands. Rare species like Star Tortoise, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Guar and Bison Herd found here. In addition huge amount of animals like Elephant, Sambhar Deer, Spotted Deer, Hanuman Monkeys also found here. There is a Guest house and Tree house available for accommodation. There is also a watch tower to see the forest and animals with a panoramic view.

Situated on the Tamil Nadu Border, The Chinnar wild life sanctuary is spread across 90.44 Sq. km.