Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Kerala’s rain-shadow wilderness
A dry, sunlit forest on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, beyond Munnar and Marayoor — guided treks, rare wildlife and quiet forest stays.
A dry, sunlit forest on the eastern side of the Western Ghats, beyond Munnar and Marayoor — guided treks, rare wildlife and quiet forest stays.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki, Kerala, lies in the rain shadow east of Munnar, so its dry thorn and deciduous forest is unlike anywhere else in the state. It is the home of the endangered grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise, with elephants, gaur and spotted deer. Visits are by guided treks run by the Kerala Forest Department. It is about 2 hours from Munnar; October to March is most pleasant.
While most of Kerala is wet and green, Chinnar sits in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats and receives much less rain. The result is a landscape of dry thorn scrub, deciduous forest and riverine woodland along the Chinnar and Pambar rivers — and wildlife that is rare elsewhere in the state.
The sanctuary is known for the endangered grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise. You may also see elephants, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, bonnet macaques, mugger crocodiles in the river and a wide range of dry-forest birds.
Trek routes, group sizes and timings are set by the Forest Department and can change; we confirm them for your dates.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A travel designer replies within one working day — private, customised, no obligation.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Oct–Mar | The most pleasant months for treks; dry, sunny days. |
| Apr–May | Hot in the dry forest; go early in the morning. |
| Jun–Sep | Less rain than Munnar because of the rain shadow; treks may be limited. |
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Every trip is private and customised — dates, hotels and pace are changed to suit you. Price on enquiry.
In Idukki district, Kerala, on the Munnar–Udumalpet road beyond Marayoor, about 2 hours from Munnar and close to the Tamil Nadu border.
Its rain-shadow dry forest, unusual for Kerala, and rare wildlife such as the endangered grizzled giant squirrel and the star tortoise.
On guided treks and river trails run by the Kerala Forest Department with local guides. Jeep safaris are not the main way to see Chinnar.
The Forest Department runs tree houses and simple forest lodges; availability is limited and booked in advance. Comfortable resorts are also available in Marayoor and Munnar.
October to March is the most pleasant time for treks. Because it lies in the rain shadow, Chinnar receives less monsoon rain than Munnar.
Most treks need moderate fitness and involve uneven paths and heat in the dry forest. We choose shorter routes for families and seniors.
Yes — it is an easy 1–2 night extension from Munnar, often with Eravikulam National Park, the Marayoor sandalwood forest and the dolmens.
About 5–6 hours by road; most travellers break the journey in Munnar.
Periyar is best for a lake cruise, bamboo rafting and elephants; Chinnar is best for trekking in a rare dry forest and quieter wildlife experiences.
Yes, with shorter guided walks and a stay in Marayoor or Munnar. Some treks have age or fitness rules set by the Forest Department.
Tell us your dates and how you love to travel. Your personal designer will send a tailored itinerary and quote within one working day — no obligation, no hidden charges.
