Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary: A Heavenly Paradise For Wildlife Enthusiasts

A breathtaking view of a fierce brown and black tiger sitting in a wildlife sanctuary.
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The breathtakingly picturesque Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, is tucked away in the Western Ghats, a veritable gold mine of species and natural beauty. For those looking to make the most out of their visit, the Munnar travel guide provides helpful details about exploring this enchanting destination. The sanctuary is known for its extensive tea plantations, hazy hills, and rich wildlife. You get to witness the dense woodlands teeming with rare plants and animals, such as the endangered Indian star tortoise. The sanctuary also has rich bird life, which adds to the vibrancy of its ecosystem.

Quick Details About Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Elevation: 5200 ft
Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹10 for adults and ₹5 for children

Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary Location

A jaw-dropping view of an elephant in Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary amidst lush greenery.

Photo: Amara Bharathy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is 18 km north of Marayoor on State Highway 17. It is in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, in the Marayoor and Kanthalloor panchayats of the Devikulam taluk.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Munnar

How To Reach Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary

A unique view of a railway track with enormous mountains at a distance in the backdrop.

Photo: Jake Weirick / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

By Road: Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 48 km from Munnar, on the Munnar-Udumalpet Road (State Highway 17). You can travel by bus or taxi from Munnar, which typically takes around 1 hour 45 minutes.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station to Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is Kottayam Railway Station, approximately 140 km away. From Kottayam, you can hire a cab or take a bus to the sanctuary.

Things To Do

Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a wide range of activities that allow tourists to experience and enjoy the region’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

1. Discovering Wildlife

Witnessing wildlife in Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best things to do.

Photo: Mdf / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing place with animals like Nilgiri tahr, elephants, gaur, and leopards, making it a paradise for animal lovers. Bird watchers can access different species, including Malabar whistling thrush, Nilgiri wood pigeon, and black-and-orange flycatcher. The extensive and diverse ecosystems of its habitat enable every visitor to enjoy the experience of all aspects of nature, attracting both eco-tourists and explorers and allowing them to get involved fully with a wide variety of life forms.

Suggested Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala

2. Trekking

A unique view of a few people trekking through narrow roads up to enormous mountains.

Photo: Ted Bryan Yu / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

It has trails full of greenery with small hills rising mildly towards more heights. Some treks at Munnar Sanctuary include Anamudi Peak, South India’s highest peak, providing panoramic views of its surroundings. Numerous paths run through tea plantations and forests, thus giving enough opportunity for nature enthusiasts to sit back and relax in their serene surroundings as they witness the calmness and peace together with the natural beauty around them; therefore, it is an ideal spot for those who want adventure as well as serenity.

3. Wildlife Safari

Explore the diverse wildlife and lush surroundings at the Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Jeff Ackley / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

A Munnar wildlife safari is a great way to get close to the area’s rich environment. These safaris, which are usually done by jeep, take people deep into the sanctuary’s woods, following trails that hikers might not be able to reach. You might see a lot of different animals on the tour, like elephants, sambar deer, giant grizzled squirrels, and, if you’re lucky, big cats like leopards that are hard to spot.

4. Visit Watchtowers And Scenic Viewpoints

Explore the watchtowers and beautiful viewpoints that offer stunning views of the Western Ghats.

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The watchtowers and beautiful viewpoints offer stunning views of the Western Ghats and a unique way to see the protected area’s size and variety of plants and animals. A lot of watchtowers are built on top of hills or in clearings with great views of the valleys, waterways, and dense woods around them. People can see roaming animals from these high spots without disturbing their natural homes. Getting to the watchtower is usually done on an easy walk or with a guide, which makes the trip more exciting.

5. Bird Watching And Butterfly Watching

Witness a wide range of birds and butterflies on your visit to the wildlife sanctuary.

Photo: Dieny Portinanni / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Bird and butterfly watching is fun for both nature fans and hobbyists because the area has a lot of different kinds of plants and animals. Over 200 species of birds live in the sanctuary, which is also home to the endangered grizzled giant squirrel. Avid birdwatchers come to the sanctuary to see rare and unique species. Many birds, such as the Malabar parrot, the black eagle, and the Indian pitta, can be seen regularly.

Places To Visit Around Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Several attractions are near Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary, from cascading waterfalls to cultural landmarks.

1. Eravikulam National Park

A view of a board outside of Eravikulam National Park, one of the best places in Munnar.

Photo: Photos Worldwide / Wikimedia Commons

This is a must-visit site that is located within the sanctuary. Eravikulam National Park provides an exceptional view of sprawling tea gardens in Munnar town and the rolling hills of the Western Ghats, making it a perfect place for naturalists and animal lovers looking for a peaceful atmosphere. It’s worth visiting because of its diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery, creating a great environment for watching animals and trekking, making it memorable for visitors.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 41 km
Things To Do: Wildlife watching, trekking

Suggested Read: Munnar National Parks

2. Tea Museum

A view of tea gardens, one of the best places to visit near Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If you are looking for things to do in Munnar, don’t forget the Tea Museum, which takes you through the history of tea production in this region. Some exhibits show how tea has been farmed and processed over time. This makes it an exciting choice for those interested in historical facts regarding tea growing or just tea enthusiasts who want to sample various kinds of tea. While enjoying mouthwatering cups of tea, you will have an awesome opportunity to understand the process behind its making at the same time, through this kind of museum tour.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 50 km
Things To Do: Learning about tea production, tea tasting

3. Attukal Waterfalls

A breathtaking view of a majestic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery during the day.

Photo: Greg Galas / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Attukal Waterfalls is a beautiful place where picnics can be undertaken walks inside the sanctuary. The green surroundings offer serene beauty with a cool breeze from the waterfall, giving watchers peace while they enjoy nature’s wonders. Also suitable for photography as well as various flower findings. It is an ideal location for all nature admirers who love spending their weekends amidst flowers and falling water. Music is in their ears as they enjoy the serene part of life.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 57 km
Things To Do: Picnicking, nature walks

Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kerala

4. Mattupetty Dam

Mattupetty dam is one of the best places to visit near Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: DdraconiandevilL / Wikimedia Commons

Mattupetty Dam is located near the sanctuary; tourists like it because boating services provide astonishing views across the reservoir surrounded by hills. This is a picturesque area where one can capture some stunning landscapes while simultaneously experiencing tranquillity and serenity since it’s a silent place. Given the beautiful natural view of this dam, it’s an ideal choice for escaping from the rest of the world and enjoying some silence by yourself in such a perfect environment.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 60 km
Things To Do: Boating, photography

5. Top Station

Top station is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

From Munnar Town, The Top Station is a must-visit place offering stunning Western Ghats and Theni Valley views. You can take memorable pictures at this spot of amazing beauty as it allows everyone who loves photography to capture some of the best sights in nature. It is a place that no one who desires to see the artistic landscapes made by God’s hand should miss going to; they are simply breathtaking. This calm and beautiful environment makes it a good place for people who love nature and those taking photographs.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 82 km
Things To Do: Sightseeing, photography

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala

6. Lakkam Waterfalls

View of the stunning Lakkam Waterfalls, one of the places to visit near Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Sajith Erattupetta / Wikimedia Commons

One of the best places to visit in Munnar is Lakkam Waterfalls. Set in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 7,300 feet, Lakkam Waterfalls is a top attraction close to Munnar in Kerala. Lakkam comes from the Eravikulam Plateau, while most waterfalls fall from hills. It flows down about 50 feet into a clear pool below. This waterfall is surrounded by dense clusters of Vaga trees and scattered boulders, offering visitors opportunities for boulder hiking and bathing in the refreshing pool.

Distance From The Sanctuary: 24 km
Things To Do: Swimming, hiking, trekking

Where To Stay

A view of a bedroom with a brown bed and white sheets and a sofa set on the side.

Photo: Roberto Nickson / Unsplash / Image For Representation only

A day or two in Munnar will let you experience the untouched nature and the beauty of its wildlife sanctuaries. For a comfortable and leisurely stay, you can choose The Valle Munnar, Rainforest Munnar Resort, Bison Log House and many more.

Where To Eat

A tempting view of a plate with green pasta served on it, garnished with red tomatoes.

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Tourists travelling to Munnar are in for a treat with the amazing food options it offers. You can enjoy some delicious flavours at Rapsy Restaurant, Saravana Bhavan, and Hotel Hill View.

Suggested Read: Best Food In Munnar

Other Factors To Consider

A tempting view of a plate with green pasta served on it, garnished with red tomatoes.

Photo: Anton Sukhinov / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Tips For Travellers

  • Put on comfortable clothes and sturdy trekking shoes.
  • Take water, snacks, and a basic medical kit because facilities inside the sanctuary are limited.
  • Put on a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun.
  • Remember to carry insect repellent.
  • The ideal time for visiting is early morning or late afternoon, while September-March is the best month.

Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat into nature with diverse flora and fauna. Activities include wildlife watching, trekking, and picnicking. Attractions like Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, and Attukal Waterfalls make it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. Plan your trip with TripXL today and explore Kerala’s unexplored destinations. Whether you crave adventure or serenity, Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary promises a unique and rejuvenating escape.

Cover Photo: Nick Karvounis / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some treks like Meesapulimala Trek require special permissions, which can be taken from the sanctuary's entrance or the Munnar's KFDA office.
Yes, one can have their tour guides within Munnar Wildlife Sanctuary as per requirement. Having a guide who will give insights into the diversity of animals and good spots where wildlife can be easily seen adds much value.
Stick on designated paths do not make loud noises, and always carry first-aid basics. Contact the ranger station when emergencies arise.
Avoid flash photography; turn off camera sounds when shooting pictures. Remember that this is a wild area, so keep your distance from the animals.
Yes, the sanctuary is home to various bird species, making it perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Besides Nilgiri Tahr, you may spot wildlife like elephants, gaur, leopards, sambar deer, and various birds such as the Malabar whistling thrush and Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Yes, tourists aren't allowed to leave trash, feed animals, bother wildlife, or go off the paths that have been marked. Following the conservation rules in the area helps protect the fragile environment.
People who want to visit should bring snacks, insect repellent, drinks, binoculars for seeing wildlife, and comfortable clothes. The chances of seeing animals are higher if you go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

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