Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (celebrated across India as Kerala's unique rain shadow deciduous wilderness and the vital stronghold of the critically endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel), situated along the interstate Munnar Udumalpet Highway (SH 17) just 60 km north of Munnar in Kerala, is one of the Western Ghats' most ecologically distinctive, biodiverse, and adventurous eco tourism reserves.

Spanning 90 square kilometers across the dry rain shadow eastern slopes of the Western Ghats bordering Tamil Nadu's Anamalai Tiger Reserve, this sanctuary features an extraordinary transitional ecosystem ranging from dry thorny scrublands and deciduous woodlands to lush riverine gallery forests flanking the perennial Chinnar and Pambar rivers.

It's the home of the highly endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) foraging in the riverine Albizia canopies, the dramatic Thoovanam Waterfalls deep inside the river canyon, wild herds of Indian elephants, gaurs, spotted deer, tufted grey langurs, star tortoises, Mugger crocodiles, over 225 recorded bird species, thrilling guided forest trekking expeditions to prehistoric Megalithic dolmens and rock art shelters, treehouse eco lodges perched along riverbanks, an elevated watchtower at Karimutti offering panoramic views of elephant corridors, and a distinct arid scrubland atmosphere where warm desert winds contrast dramatically with the misty tea peaks of Munnar.

It represents a rich rain shadow ecology, riverine forest botany, and Western Ghats wildlife sanctuary where Pambar river canyon hydrology, endangered mammal conservation, tribal eco development, and wilderness trekking unite in Marayoor Chinnar corridor.

Located on SH 17 near the Kerala Tamil Nadu border, it sits just 60 km north of Munnar town, 16 km northeast of Marayoor sandalwood forest, 45 km south of Udumalpet, and 165 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by interstate KSRTC buses, Tamil Nadu transport buses, and tourist cabs.

The Rain Shadow Deciduous Ecosystem & Rare Fauna

Because it lies in the rain shadow region of the High Ranges, Chinnar receives less than 500 mm of annual rainfall, creating a unique thorny scrub savannah unlike the rest of wet Kerala.

This microclimate supports specialized biodiversity including the Indian Star Tortoise, rusty spotted cat, and the yellow throated bulbul.

Truth is, spotting a pair of Grizzled Giant Squirrels leaping gracefully across the river canopy near Chinnar bridge is unforgettable.

Thoovanam Falls Trek & Prehistoric Dolmens

Thoovanam Trek: A popular 4 km guided forest trek leads travelers through riverine forests to the thunderous cascading waterfalls on the Pambar River.

Megalithic Rock Art: Ancient Megalithic dolmens (Muniyaras) and prehistoric cave paintings at Attala prove thousands of years of ancient human habitation.

Riverine Treehouses & Karimutti Watchtower

Eco Treehouses: Stay overnight in rustic wooden machans and riverside huts managed by local Muthuvan tribal eco development committees.

Karimutti Checkpost: The main sanctuary entrance features a high watchtower overlooking natural salt licks where elephants and deer gather at dusk.

After experiencing the wilderness of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, tour the natural sandalwood forests of Marayoor, hike to Lakkom Waterfalls, or visit Eravikulam National Park in Munnar.