Chinnar Forest Trek

Apart from lush green Tea-growing estates, Munnar is also home to various National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the rain-shadow of the mighty Western Ghats and is an integral part of the protected forests straddling the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in the Anaimalai Hills. This trek is a great opportunity to experience one of the best flora and fauna of the region. The sanctuary protects Deers, Leopards, Elephants, Gaur, Langurs. It is also home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Grizzled Giant Squirrels. 

Itinerary

The beautiful drive from Munnar to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, passing through Marayoor sandalwood forest, is a visual treat for all visitors. The dominant vegetation in Chinnar is the thorny scrub forest interspersed with patches of semi-deciduous forest. The trek will start through the scrub jungle, and continue on to riverine forest, where there is a high chance of spotting a wide variety of animals, birds and amphibians. Chinnar is well-known for the critically endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Grizzled Giant Squirrel. It is also home to Asian Elephants, Sambar Deer, Dhole and Indian Gaur. If you are a bird enthusiast, this is one of the best locations to spot Yellow-throated Bulbul, White-bellied Drongo, Blue-faced Malkhova, Yellow-legged Button Quail, Blue-bearded Bee Eater, etc. Different types of Butterflies and Dragon flies are also in abundance here. Chinnar also harbors a vibrant reptile population. 

Instructions

It is recommended to wear nature-colored costumes, trekking or walking shoes, carry a water bottle, hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen if necessary.