Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

The Idukki Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is a vast expanse of lush green forests spread over an area of 90 square kilometers. It is located at a height of 500-2400 meters above sea level. The Chinnar national park, Kerala was declared a sanctuary in the year 1984. The undulating terrain and velvety green cover of plants over the entire sanctuary is what makes it a haven for the animals and birds of the sanctuary.

The Chinnar wildlife sanctuary is home to the endangered species of the Giant grizzled squirrel. Besides the squirrel, one can find animals like elephants, deer, tigers, gaurs, Hanuman monkey, etc. also. A number of reptiles like vipers, kraits, cobras, pythons, etc. can also be found here. A common sight is that of beautiful peacocks walking down the pathway in the sanctuary. One can also avail the boating facilities that are provided by the concerned authorities of the sanctuary. The uneven terrain provides ample of opportunities for trekking and mountain climbing.

Fauna
34 species of Mammals live here, including many Panthers and Spotted deer, 50 -60 Indian Elephants, Gaur, Tigers, Sambar Deer, Common langur, Bonnet Macaque, Hanuman monkey, threatened Nilgiri Tahr, vulnerable Rusty-spotted Cats

Flora
There are 965 species of flowering plants in the sanctuary Ecoregions of the sanctuary comprise mostly grassland and wet grasslands vegetation and some South Western Ghats montane rain forests and high shola at the higher western elevations. South Western Ghats moist deciduous forestss at mid elevations give way to dry deciduous forests and thorny scrub forests in the lower dryer eastern edges of the valley. The major Xerophyticspecies in the throny scrub forests are Acacia arabica, Acacia leucofolia, Acacia concinna, Prosporis juliflora, and Opuntia stricta

Entry Fee
Entry fee for Indians Rs. 10/- per head per day
Entry fee for foreigners  Rs. 100/- per head per day
Entry fee for children below 12 years
and bonafied students on tour Rs. 5/- per head per day
Fee for video and movie cameras Rs. 150/- day
Fee for ordinary cameras Rs. 25/- per day
Entry fee for vehicles
Heavy vehicles Rs. 150/- day
Light vehicles Rs. 50/- per day
Others Rs. 20/- per day

How to Reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary Idukki

By Air
The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Kottayam. The place can also be reached from Ernakulam railway station.

By Roads
The sanctuary is easily accessible by roads and can be reached from anywhere in Kerala.