Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Reserve Kerala wildlife sanctuary noted for mountain fauna
In Kerala’s Western Ghats, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary protects dry‑deciduous forest and hill streams; visitors come for wildlife watching, guided treks and sightings of local mountain species.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Kerala that conserves dry forest, scrub and grassland habitats on the eastern side of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary supports a mix of specialized wildlife adapted to drier montane conditions compared with the wet western slopes.
Key features are its dry deciduous and thorn-scrub vegetation, rocky hills, and riverine habitats that support regionally important fauna. Visitors go for wildlife watching, guided treks and to access trails that cross varied habitats.
The sanctuary was established to conserve the distinct dry-eastern Ghats ecosystems and to maintain transboundary connectivity with adjoining protected areas in Tamil Nadu; management has focused on habitat protection and regulated tourism.
It lies along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in the southern Western Ghats; the nearest large towns are in Idukki district and access is by road through hill-country approaches.
- Ecological corridor: The sanctuary protects dry deciduous forests, grasslands and riparian corridors in the eastern Western Ghats and borders protected areas in Tamil Nadu, forming a wildlife corridor across the state boundary.
How to Get to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary #
Chinnar is accessible by road from Munnar (approximately 60-90 minutes) and major towns in Kerala; the nearest railheads are at Aluva and Madurai with onward road transfer. Local forest offices can advise on permits, guided treks and road status.
Tips for Visiting Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary #
- Obtain permits and guidance from the Kerala Forest Department for multi-day treks or research visits.
- Ask local guides about rare orchids and medicinal plants - they know seasonal spots most visitors miss.
- Plan wildlife viewing early morning or late afternoon; the sanctuary is known for its nilgiri tahr, macaques and varied birdlife.
Best Time to Visit Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary #
Best after the monsoon (October-February) when trails clear and wildlife is easier to spot.
Weather & Climate near Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary #
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C. Heavy rainfall (2282 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Heavy rain (221 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (391 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (318 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (306 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Heavy rain (274 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Heavy rain (231 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
