Idukki> Chinnar
Chinnar-Whispering woods
The place is regarded as one of the unique protected areas in the whole westerns ghats due to its ecological, floral, geomorphologic and cultural significance. The habitat types arrange from high altitude shola grassland to dry thorny scrub. This is a habitat of the giant grizzled squirrel and white bison. This 90 square km wild life sanctuary situates in the middle of Eravikulam National Park to the south, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is to the north and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is to the east. The Chinnar River and Pambar rivers are the major perennial water resources in the sanctuary. The spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls lie deep within the Sanctuary on the Pambar River. This breathtaking cascade is a major tourist attraction.
If one is adventure enough they can enjoy the beauty of Vasayappara, which is deep inside in the core area of the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Vasayppara can be reached after having a one and half hour trekking after deviating before Chinnarvanam check post. The forest department has been organizing two-day nature camp for students in Chinnar. Free accommodation and food are available. For more information contact: Munnar wild life warden: ph:04865-231587.
Location
18 km north To Marayoor on SH 17 in Marayoor and Kanthaloor panchayathas, Devikulam taluk
How to reach
By road: 60 km from Munnar and Pollachi, two hour drive from Munnar via Marayoor.
Munnar Udumalpet road passes through the sanctuary
115 km southwest to Coimbatore
Contact
Wildlife warden, Forest Information centre Munnar: 04865 231587.
Website: www.chinnar.org
Altitude
Varies from 500- 2300 m above sea level
Best season
Dec to May
Stay
Accommodation is available in three suites at the forest guesthouse for Rs 400 per head
Treetop machans costs Rs 1000 for an overnight stay (including food)
Camping at Vasyappara huts costs Rs 2500 per head (Rs 500 for additional perosn) including food.
Dormitory facilities are available at Chinnar. Rs 110 per head (no food)
Tips
Avoid dark colored dresses
Observe silence
Don't litter
What to do
Trekking: Treks are organized jointly by the forest department and the eco development committees of local tribes
Vasayappara trek takes one night and two days
The lofty Chinnar watchtower gives a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary
A forest guard and tourist guide accompanies visitors
Timing
7 am to 6pm
Entrance fee
Adults Rs 10
Children Rs 5
The place is regarded as one of the unique protected areas in the whole westerns ghats due to its ecological, floral, geomorphologic and cultural significance. The habitat types arrange from high altitude shola grassland to dry thorny scrub. This is a habitat of the giant grizzled squirrel and white bison. This 90 square km wild life sanctuary situates in the middle of Eravikulam National Park to the south, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is to the north and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is to the east. The Chinnar River and Pambar rivers are the major perennial water resources in the sanctuary. The spectacular Thoovanam waterfalls lie deep within the Sanctuary on the Pambar River. This breathtaking cascade is a major tourist attraction.If one is adventure enough they can enjoy the beauty of Vasayappara, which is deep inside in the core area of the Chinnar wildlife sanctuary. Vasayppara can be reached after having a one and half hour trekking after deviating before Chinnarvanam check post. The forest department has been organizing two-day nature camp for students in Chinnar. Free accommodation and food are available. For more information contact: Munnar wild life warden: ph:04865-231587.
Location
18 km north To Marayoor on SH 17 in Marayoor and Kanthaloor panchayathas, Devikulam taluk
How to reach
By road: 60 km from Munnar and Pollachi, two hour drive from Munnar via Marayoor.
Munnar Udumalpet road passes through the sanctuary
115 km southwest to Coimbatore
Contact
Wildlife warden, Forest Information centre Munnar: 04865 231587.
Website: www.chinnar.org
Altitude
Varies from 500- 2300 m above sea level
Best season
Dec to May
Stay
Accommodation is available in three suites at the forest guesthouse for Rs 400 per head
Treetop machans costs Rs 1000 for an overnight stay (including food)
Camping at Vasyappara huts costs Rs 2500 per head (Rs 500 for additional perosn) including food.
Dormitory facilities are available at Chinnar. Rs 110 per head (no food)
Tips
Avoid dark colored dresses
Observe silence
Don't litter
What to do
Trekking: Treks are organized jointly by the forest department and the eco development committees of local tribes
Vasayappara trek takes one night and two days
The lofty Chinnar watchtower gives a panoramic view of the entire sanctuary
A forest guard and tourist guide accompanies visitors
Timing
7 am to 6pm
Entrance fee
Adults Rs 10
Children Rs 5
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