Location: About 60 km from Munnar, Idukki district.
A
unique thorny scrub forest with
xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat
for the endangered Giant Grizzled
Squirrel of India. The last world count
of these squirrels was less than 200.
Located in the rain shadow area of
the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries
in Kerala, Chinnar gets only
48 days 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 to watch herds of gaurs amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, Hanuman monkey and even peacocks can be spotted on either side of the road.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Ernakulam about 130 km
from Munnar
.
Nearest airport: Cochin International
Airport, about 150 km from Munnar.
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