Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Their total number here would be less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only less than two months of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction at Chinnar. This is also an ideal place for watching herds of gaur and elephants amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and some grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman langur and even peacocks can be spotted on either side of the road.

Forest Types: The major portion of the area is covered with grass lands. There were also several patches of shoals.

Bio diversity: The major species in the throny scrub forests are Acacia arabica, Acacia leucofolia,Acaciaconcinna,Prosporis 

juliflora, and Opuntia dillenii. Dry deciduous species include Santallum album, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia 

arjuna, Tamarindus indica, Pongamia glabra, Dalbergia latifolia, Tectona grandis, Lagerstroemia laneolata, Cassia 

fistula, Terminalia bellerica, Emblica officianalis etc. High shoal and wetland species include Rhododendron 

nilagiricum, Elaeocarpus, recurvatus, Strobilanthus kunthianus etc.

34 species of mammals, 245 sp. of birds, 36 species of reptiles,

22 species of amphibians and 42 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary

Elephant, Gaur, panther, spotted deer, Sambar, Grizzled giant squirrel, Hanuman monkey etc are the common mammals

Getting there

Approach: By Road – Kochi _ 200km

Coimbatore Pollachi – 60 Km.

Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi- 60 Km.

Nearest Airport: Nedumbassery .