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A unique thorny scrub forest with xerophyte species, Chinnar is the habitat for the endangered Giant Grizzled Squirrel of India. Their total number here would be less than 200. Located in the rain shadow area of the Western Ghats, unlike other sanctuaries in Kerala, Chinnar gets only less than two months of rain every year. Rich in wildlife, the mixed deciduous forests here are ideal for trekking.
An extensive Sandalwood forest nearby is an added attraction at Chinnar. This is also an ideal place for watching herds of gaur and elephants amble past. Dry deciduous forests, high sholas and some grasslands add to the diversity of the sanctuary. As one travels from Karimuthi to Chinnar, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, hanuman langur and even peacocks can be spotted on either side of the road.
Forest Types: The major portion of the
area is covered with grass lands. There were also several patches of shoals.
Bio diversity: The
major species in the throny scrub forests are Acacia arabica, Acacia
leucofolia,Acaciaconcinna,Prosporis
juliflora,
and Opuntia dillenii. Dry deciduous species include Santallum album, Anogeissus
latifolia, Terminalia
arjuna,
Tamarindus indica, Pongamia glabra, Dalbergia latifolia, Tectona grandis,
Lagerstroemia laneolata, Cassia
fistula,
Terminalia bellerica, Emblica officianalis etc. High shoal and wetland species
include Rhododendron
nilagiricum,
Elaeocarpus, recurvatus, Strobilanthus kunthianus etc.
34 species of mammals, 245 sp. of birds, 36 species of reptiles,
22 species of amphibians and 42 species of fishes are reported
from the sanctuary
Elephant, Gaur,
panther, spotted deer, Sambar, Grizzled giant squirrel, Hanuman monkey etc are
the common mammals
Getting there
Approach: By Road – Kochi _ 200km
Coimbatore Pollachi – 60 Km.
Nearest Railway Station: Pollachi- 60 Km.
Nearest Airport: Nedumbassery .
