CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the famous wild life parks situated in Kerala. Situated in the region of Western Ghats, it is a center for Birding & Bird Watching, Bird & Wildlife photography, Nature & trekking. Surrounded by grass lands, shrubs, thorns on the one side and deciduous forests, huge tress, river & water falls on the other, the park offers breath taking landscapes. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit at least once in your lifetime.
CHINNAR WILDLIFE
This park is a home for more than 200 birds species, 100 plus butterflies and mammals. For eg. Macaque, Grey langur, Nigiri Thar, Sambar and Spotted Deer & Indian Elephants. The sanctuary is also famous for few endangered species including Butterflies, Giant Grizzled Squirrel & Star Tortoise.
Situated at One hour travel from Udumalpet (Tamilnadu), one hour and 30 minutes from Munnar ( Kerala) and appx 6 hours from Kochi Airport. This is a well-connected place on road.
CHINNAR CHECKPOST TIMINGS
The first check post is located within 30 minutes of drive from Udumalpet. This is known as Anamalais Tiger Reserve Check post. This is the first entry point into the reserve forest areas of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary too. The entry into the reserve forest is restricted from 6 PM to 6 AM on all days. The same timings apply to the other check posts within the Chinnar Wildlife sanctuary also.
BIRDING IN CHINNAR
The park is one of the most sought after locations for birders. Some of the birds, we will never miss in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary includes Blue bearded Bee eater, Imperial Pigeon , Yellow billed warbler, Greater Flame Backed wood pecker & Yellow napped wood pecker. Other birds we might see include brown-napped wood pecker, Pigmy wood pecker, Brown fish owl, Spot bellied owl, White bellied treepie, Asian Blue Bird, Common Cuckoo Shrike & Bay backed Shrike.,
Apart from the above, other birds which we may sight include White bellied, Racket Tailed & Black Drongos & Cinerous tit. Small and Orange minivets, common iora, Green and Brown headed bee eater, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Barn swallow and Indian Night Jar are also sighted in the sanctuary. Jungle owlet, Honey Buzzard and Crested Serpented Eagle , Shikra, Chestnut Tailed Starling, Koel and Coucal, Indian Golden Oriole. Leaf Bird, Bulbuls and barbets. Shama and Robins to name a few other birds.
BEST SEASON TO VISIT-STAYING INSIDE THE CHINNAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
One can visit all days in a year for varied activities. However, December to July is the best season for sighting Birding and Bird watching.
Staying deep inside the sanctuary will be an awesome experience. Separate cottages and convenience are available. On the spot booking for trekking, guides for birding etc. are also available for a nominal amount, as entry fee. Still, an advance booking will make your trip a hassle free one, esp. if you plan to stay in the jungle cottages overnight. Please find here for the information and booking, for a stay inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
CHINNAR ECO TOURISM
Kanthaloor famous placce for apple orchards, Marayoor a well known Jaggery Market Hub of Kerala, Eravikulam Park the home of Nilgiri Thar, Idukki and Munnar wonderful hill stations, Thoovanam and Lakkam Amazing waterfalls are the ‘near-by-tourist-places’ you can easily make a visit from Chinnar. For more information on Chinnar Eco Tourism, explore here.
AN ENDING NOTE:
The Local Forest Dept and other Law and Order enforcing Agents are very strict. They throw caution and vigil on the visitors. Your luggage may be subjected to checking and scrutiny for obvious reasons. From this angle, prepare yourselves, adhere to the strict rules and regulations. Enjoy a memorable trip to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.