Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is in the Idukki District of Kerala State in India. It is a protected area as per government order. It is bounded on one side by Eravikulam National Park and on the other side by Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary.

Pambar River in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Anamalai ranges in the Western Ghats. The Chinnar River and River Pambar are the major water resources in the sanctuary.

34 species of Mammals live in this wildlife sanctuary. It includes  Panthers, Tigers, Indian Elephants, Gaur,  Sambar Deer, Spotted deer, Common langur, Bonnet Macaque,  threatened Nilgiri Tahr, Hanuman monkey, and vulnerable Rusty-spotted Cats.

The Sanctuary has about 240 numbers of the most vulnerable Grizzled Giant Squirrels as per the last count.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is a heaven of fauna. Many birds, including Bulbuls, are among the 245 species found here. Reptile species inside the park number around 52, which includes 29 species of snakes. Endangered species of Indian Star Tortoise are found here. Also found is the largest population of vulnerable Mugger Crocodiles in the state.  Many species of fish, including endangered hill stream game fish Deccan Mahseer, are found among those 42 fish species here. Amphibian species of 22 varieties are found in this Wildlife Sanctuary. Butterfly species number 156.

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is also rich in flora. Flowering plants of 965 species are found here. Marayoor Sandalwood, a rare sandalwood, is located in large numbers here.

Thoovanam Waterfalls

Thoovanam waterfall is a major waterfall inside the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. A forest department log house (available to the public for rent) is close to this falls.

Trekking, Walking along the river banks, etc., are allowed.

How Do I Go to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary?

The nearest town is Devikulam in Idukki District, which is well connected by roads to other nearby cities of Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. The nearest airport is Cochin International airport at Nedumbrassery. The nearest major railway stations are Kottayam, Cochin, and Aluva,

Accommodation inside the Wildlife Sanctuary

The State Government Forest Department offers log houses,  tree houses, and a concrete cottage (each costs rupees 3000), and a mud house (costs rupees 4000) inside Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary.