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How to Reach Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
By Airl
Nearest Airport is Madurai (Tamilnadu) about 140 km away
Cochin International Airport is about 190 km away.
By Rail
Nearest Railway Station - Pollachi is about 60 Km away
Nearest Railway Station Aluva Railway Station is about 200 Kms. away
By Road
Well connected by bus service to the major places.
Some Vital Information
Latitude : 10° 15' to 10° 21' N
Longitude : 77° 15' to 77° 17' E
Rainfall : 100 mm
Temperature varies from 18° C to 30° C and 24° C to 35° C during winter and summer respectively.
Area :
Total - 90.422 Sq.Km.
Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, the sanctary occupies the forested region on either side of the Marayoor - Udumalped road. This is the second habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel of india. The location of sanctuary offers the unique advantage of watching its fascinating wildlife at close quarters from the road without venturing deep into the jungle. The Marayoor sandal forest and the beautiful Thoovanam waterfalls are located here.
Located in the rain shadow region of the western ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October and November when Northeast monsoons are at work.
Apart from being the habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel in India, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, bonnet macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles, vipers, little cormorants, darters and black eagles. The place is also ideal for boating and trekking.
The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. It is, indeed, a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced the verdant valley. Among the species of flora include Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Santalum album (Chandanam), Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram), Elaeocarpus recurvatus (Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus kunthianus (Neelakurinji).
The rippling topography with breathtaking spectacle of craggy rocks adds to the scenic grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is from December to April. As far as accommodation is concerned, private lodges are available at Marayoor, Munnar and Udumalpetta. You can also find accommodation in the government guesthouses at Munnar and Udumalpetta.
Flora
The following species are found in the thorny scrub forests: Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam), Acacia concinna (Cheevaka), Prosopis juliflora (Prosopis) and Opuntia dillenii (Kallimul).
Fauna
Elephant, gaur, panther,spotted deer,sambar, giant grizzled squirrel, hanuman monkey, rabbit etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests. The giant grizzled squirrel is an endangered species. It is dull gray in colour.
Best Time to visit
One can visit the sanctuary almost throughout the year except during the months of October and November.
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