Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
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The beautiful Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is rated amongst the finest wildlife
sanctuaries of India, and is one of the best tourist spots in Kerala. Set amidst
enchanting backwaters of Devikulam in Idukki district of Kerala, the Chinnar
wildlife sanctuary covers an area over 90 sq km in the rain shadow region of the
Western Ghats. Known for its enchanting scenic beauty, Chinnar is a natural
habitat for an amazing variety of flora and fauna including some rare and
endangered wildlife species. |
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The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the rain shadow region of the Western
Ghats, and so receives comparatively less rainfall in comparison to other parts
of Kerala. The vegetations of Chinnar primarily comprises of thorny scrub
forest, dry deciduous forest, high sholas and wet grasslands, which supports a
wide variety of wildlife. |
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Popularly regarded as the second habitat of the endangered Giant Grizzled
Squirrel, the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary also shelters Asiatic Elephants,
Tigers, Sambars, Bonnets, Spotted Deer, Macaques, Indian Bisons and spectacled
Cobras to name a few. The sanctuary is also rich in its avifauna and attracts a
wide variety of exotic and colorful birds including Woodpeckers, Peacocks,
Little Cormorants, Darters and Black Eagles etc. |
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Located at Devikulam taluk of Idukki district Kerala, Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known reserve that extends over an area
of over 90 sq km. Recognized as a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, it lies
in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats. As a result, Chinnar
gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during the months of October
and November when Northeast monsoons are at work. Apart from being the
habitat of the endangered giant grizzled squirrel in India, the
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to tigers, elephant, bonnet
macaques, gaur, Kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar,
turtles, vipers, little cormorants, darters and black eagles. The
place is also ideal for boating and trekking.
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The sanctuary abounds in a variety of trees, including the unique thorny scrub
forest with Xerophytic species. The flora of the sanctuary comprises dry
deciduous forest, thorny scrub forests, high sholas and wet grasslands. It is,
indeed, a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced the verdant valley. |
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Among the species of flora include
Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia (Velvelam),
Santalum album (Chandanam), Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram),
Elaeocarpus recurvatus (Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus
kunthianus (Neelakurinji). The rippling topography with
breathtaking spectacle of craggy rocks adds to the scenic
grandeur of the sanctuary. Best Season to visit the sanctuary is
from December to April. As far as accommodation is concerned,
private lodges are available at Marayoor, Munnar and Udumalpetta.
You can also find accommodation in the government guesthouses at
Munnar and Udumalpetta. |
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