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SANCTUARY SPOTLIGHT
Chinnar wildlife sanctuary
Located in the eastern part of the high ranges of the Western Ghats, this 90 sq.km. is regarded as one of the protected areas in the Western Ghats. The sanctuary is home to a large number of animals and plants unique to the thorny vegetation. The riverine forest supports a healthy population of the endangered grizzled giant squirrel, the pride of Chinnar.
Its rugged undulating terrain holds a special fascination for adventure travellers. Two perennial rivers — Paambaar and Chinnar — drain the area. Apart from dry thorn forests, it has deciduous forests, sholas and grasslands that are interspersed with plains, hillocks, rocks and cliffs.
The sanctuary forms the second habitat for the giant squirrel. Other mammals found here are elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri tahr, common langur and bonnet macaque.
Chinnar is also home to many reptiles and birds. Eco-tourism is promoted here in a big way. Organised jointly by the Forest Department and the Eco Development Committees (EDCs) of the local tribal communities, the objective is to empower tribal communities and involve them in the conservation of the forest eco-system.
Two groups of tribes, Muthuvans and Hill Pulayas, inhabit the sanctuary in 11 hamlets. Sighting of crocodiles and boars is possible during the day if you trek along the riverside. Camping overnight at Vasyappara in the tribal huts is ideal to sight elephants, peacocks, langur, deer and the giant squirrel.
Trekking to the cultural site — dolmens, the megalithic burial sites of tribals in Alaampatti, can also be arranged. The trail will also take you to the watchtower in Jellimalai and to the enchanting Thuvanam falls.
The tour includes a visit to a medicinal garden and staying at a tree house at Chinnar and in machans at Koottar, Karakkad and Champakkad.
How to get there
Chinnar is accessible from Kochi (208 km) and Coimbatore (115 km) airports. The Munnar-Udumalpet road that passes through the sanctuary divides it into more or less equal parts. Munnar is 60 km from Chinnar.
Where to stay
Forest guesthouse — three suites are available; the cost is Rs. 400 per room without food.
Tree-top machans, arranged by the forest department, cost Rs. 1,000 for an overnight stay for two. Camping in the Vasyappara hut will cost Rs. 2,000 (including dinner, night stay and breakfast). The forest department also arranges accommodation at log houses in Churlipatti. Dormitory facilities are also available at Chinnar.
Best time to visit
November to May. It is quite hot in March. The sanctuary, situated in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, gets rains mostly during the Northeast monsoons (October-December).
Contact
The Wildlife Warden, Munnar division, Munnar-685612. Ph: 04865-231587; E-mail: enpmunnar@sify.com
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