October to March: Cool and pleasant for sightseeing, tea estate walks, and romantic stays June to September: Monsoon magic with lush greenery and fewer tourists
3–4 days: Perfect to explore tea gardens, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, and nearby hill viewpoints
Rolling tea plantations, Eravikulam National Park, Neelakurinji bloom (once in 12 years), spice estates, and misty mountain escapes
₹9,000–15,000 per person (including stays, local tours, and transfers – excluding luxury resorts)
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, located around 60 km from Munnar, offers a rare glimpse into Kerala’s rain shadow ecosystem. Unlike the misty green forests of Munnar, Chinnar is known for its dry deciduous and thorny scrub forests, giving it a uniquely rugged charm. This biodiversity hotspot on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border is home to several endangered and endemic species, making it a must-visit for wildlife lovers, trekkers, birders, and eco-travelers.
With over 1,000 species of flowering plants, 200+ bird species, and fascinating animals like the grizzled giant squirrel, Indian star tortoise, gaur, leopard, and elephant, Chinnar is a quiet but thrilling escape for nature seekers. It’s also one of the few wildlife sanctuaries in India offering night trekking and eco-stay options inside the forest.
Spot rare wildlife like the grizzled giant squirrel, found only here and a few parts of Tamil Nadu.
Enjoy eco-tourism experiences such as guided forest treks, tribal village visits, and riverbed camping.
Trek to the scenic Thoovanam Waterfalls inside the sanctuary.
Witness a starkly different terrain and ecosystem compared to Munnar’s lush green hills.
Explore the cultural richness of Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya tribal settlements inside the forest.
Late Sept-Oct & Mar-Apr
Why visit? Fewer crowds, lower prices, pleasant evenings
Ideal for: Spice plantation tours, village walks
October-February | Peak Tourist Season
Perfect for: Backwater cruises, beach holidays, cultural festivals
Temp: 24°C - 32°C
March-May
Best for: Hill station escapes (Munnar/Wayanad), early morning beach visits
Temp: 28°C - 36°C | Hot & Humid
March-May | Peak Tourist Season
Best for: Hill station escapes (Munnar/Wayanad), early morning beach visits
Temp:28°C - 36°C | Hot & Humid
Chinnar is one of the very few places in India where you can spot the grizzled giant squirrel, a rare and shy species found only in select parts of South India. It’s the sanctuary’s mascot and a major draw for wildlife lovers and photographers.
Hidden deep inside the sanctuary, Thoovanam Falls is a stunning 84-ft high waterfall accessible via a guided 4 km forest trek. It’s an offbeat experience filled with bird calls, elephant trails, and untouched jungle serenity.
Explore authentic tribal life with visits to Muthuvan and Hill Pulaya settlements. Learn about their herbal knowledge, bamboo crafts, and sustainable forest living — part of the Forest Department’s eco-ethno tourism program.
Unlike the evergreen forests of Munnar, Chinnar is located in the rain shadow region and features dry deciduous vegetation, sandalwood forests, and thorny scrubland — a refreshing contrast that supports diverse species.
Chinnar is one of the few Kerala sanctuaries offering night trekking and riverbed camping with forest guards. It’s a rare chance to experience the wilderness under the stars — safe, sustainable, and unforgettable.
The sanctuary is home to elephants, leopards, Indian gaurs, spotted deer, langurs, and over 225 bird species, including the yellow-throated bulbul and white-bellied drongo — perfect for serious birders and nature travelers.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is about 60 km from Munnar, located on the Munnar–Udumalpet road (SH17) via Marayoor. The route is incredibly scenic, passing through sandalwood forests and tea estates. You can self-drive or hire a cab from Munnar. Limited KSRTC buses also run from Munnar to Marayoor and Udumalpet, stopping near the Chinnar Forest Checkpost.
The closest railway station is Aluva (150 km), followed by Ernakulam (170 km) and Pollachi (65 km) if you're coming from Tamil Nadu. From these stations, taxis and buses are available to reach Marayoor, the nearest town to Chinnar.
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (COK), located about 160 km from Chinnar. From the airport, you can drive or hire a cab to Munnar, and then take the Munnar–Udumalpet highway to reach the sanctuary.
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