:: MAP

Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is located on the Munnar-Udumalpet road in one of the most picturesque districts of Kerala –Idukki. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it has an area of 91 sq. km and lies in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. With an altitude that ranges from 400 m at Chinnar to 2144 m at Mottakkumalai, the undulated terrain with rocky patches add to the scenic splendor of the sanctuary.

The forest vegetation also has a wide diversity from thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. And, Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary is a treasure trove of various kinds of fauna: 13 fresh water fishes, 52 reptiles and 15 amphibians have been sighted.

The dry open scrub forests of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary provide an excellent habitat for a wide variety of mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and others. Chinnar has the only population of Grizzled Giant Squirrel in Kerala. The Chinnar plains have large congregations of wild gaur, spotted deer and sambar. Tigers are present as are leopards. Experience trackers will indicate big cat markings, making trekking trails truly an unforgettable experience.

Since the regions has 6-7 months of dry period in the lower areas and lesser dry months in peaks, Chinnar is a twelve-month destination.

ACCOMMODATION

Vysapara Cottage:

Perched on a ledge on top of a hill, the thatched cottage is a comfortable resting place, equipped with basic amenities such as running water and WCs. Though our culinary offering is restricted to traditional vegetarian Kerala cuisine, guests have found this a memorable experience. Since it doubles as a patrol station of the forest department, it has a vantage view point. Naturally a location of this sort involves a minimum trek (2 and a half hour). However, the rigour of the trek is offset by the scenic route and possibilities of wildlife spotting.

Koottar Tree House:

For the truly adventurous, the tree house built by the local community using materials available in the region is a superb option. Accessible only on a trekking route, the tree house involves trailing Pambar River for forty minutes. A trek that is accompanied by gurgle of the river and bird sounds. With windows on all four sides, and a view from every angle, the tree house offers mattress and blankets. Scenic, but open-air facilities are available for ablutions.

ACTIVITIES

Trek through the dry deciduous forests of Chinnar and spot countless species of flora and fauna. What’s more, our naturalist will assist in spotting and identifying birds and butterflies. Some of the species spotted by our guests are Sambar, Gaur, Peafowl, Spotted dove, Bee eaters, Pied crested cuckoo, Grey jungle fowl, Painted quail, Parakeets, Bulbuls, Minivets, Iora, Orioles, Grey tit, Babblers, Indian Roller, Woodpeckers, Barbets, Drongos, Mynas, Flycatchers, Sunbirds, Shrikes etc. This forest is the ideal habitat to one of the most endangered mammals of India, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel.

The above trek through the Chinnar sanctuary can be done in half a day, one day or in two days with an option of accommodation ranging from tents, tree house or the Vysapara cottage.

The Blue Yonder team will further enhance the experience by providing experienced naturalists, interpreters and by coordinating various activities in the region. This enables the guests to experience the forest with minimum hitches.

HOW TO REACH

Chinnar is accessible from Kochi (208 km) and Coimbatore (115 km). The nearest town is Munnar (65 km). It is 25 kms from Marayoor, on the Munnar - Udumalpet highway.

See the Idukki district map here:

CONTACT US

For reservations:
Blue Yonder Holidays Pvt Ltd
23-24 Sree Guru Nivas,
# 6, 2nd Floor, Amarjyothi Layout,
Sanjay Nagar, Bengaluru (Bangalore)
560 094, Karnataka India.
Tel: +91.80.41152218
Email
www.theblueyonder.com