Chinnar
Located in the Idduki District of Kerala, Chinnar is
renowned for its Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife haven covers an
area of 90 sq km and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1984.
And, since then tourists have been flocking to this naturally rich place.
The splendid topography of the site amazes one and all. Forest types include
deciduous forest, thorny scrub forest, high sholas and wet grasslands. While
you enjoy the stunning sights at Chinnar, don't worry about your
accommodation. There are plenty of fine private lodges awaiting you at
Marayur, Munnar and Udumalpetta. Here, you can also indulge in sports like
trekking and boating. Nature walks too prove to be much promising.
Climate
Lying in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, Chinnar experiences
only 48 days of rainfall unlike the other district and cities of Kerala.
Except the months of October and November, all the months of the year are
devoid of rainfall. Summers are not very hot. December to February is the
winter time and during this period, the weather remains pleasant. However,
you can pay a visit here anytime between December and March.
Sightseeing
The Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
Explore the thorny scrub forests and the xerophytic species in the
sanctuary. Animal inmates of the park include tiger, elephant, bonnet
macaque, gaur, kraits, spotted deer, spectacled cobras, sambar, turtles,
vipers, little cormorants, darters, black eagles etc. Chief floral species
in the sanctuary are Acacia arabica (Karivelam), Acacia leucofolia
(Velvelam), Santalum album (Chandanam), Anogeissuslatifolia (Mazhukanjiram),
Elaeocarpus recurvatus (Bhadraksham) and Strobilanthus kunthianus
(Neelakurinji). Once here, you can also visit the Marayoor Sandal forests.
Another popular attraction here is the Thoovanam Waterfalls.
Getting There
Cochin Airport is the closest airport from here. The airport lies at a
distance of 150 km from Munnar. Ernakulam Junction is the nearest railway
station providing links to all the major cities and towns of the state and
the states surrounding it. The road-network also provides good links to the
place.
Activities
- Go for walk in the wildlife sanctuary and join various activities
held in it.
- The Cheeyaparra Waterfalls, Valara Waterfalls, Kalliyanathandu near
Chinnar are ideal places for rock climbing, mountaineering, camping and
trekking.
- For boating and fishing, you can go to Mattupatti reservoir.
- Thumpachi is for spiritually inclined tourists as they can dive into
meditation and relaxation or watch sunset here.
- If you want to see the horde of wild elephants in their natural
habitat, Hill view park near to Chinnar is your destination. The
tourists enjoy the panoramic view and boating also.
Parambikulam
Though a less popular destination in Kerala,
Parambikulam offers a great deal to tourists who like to pay a visit here
while in the state of Kerala. Widely known for the Parambikulam Wildlife
Sanctuary, the place abounds in varied species of flora and fauna. The
sanctuary claims a position between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. And
interestingly enough, the sanctuary has different names in the two states -
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala and Indira Gandhi Wildlife
Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The park also has a number of restaurants inside
offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Considering good
accommodation, you can book your stay in the rest houses available at the
Forest Range Office Thunakkadavu, 8 km from Parambikulam.
Climate
The climate of Parambikulam ranges from hot to moderate. March to May is
summer time. Rains are frequent here. Only between the months of December to
January, there are no rains. And during this period, the weather is
salubrious making it good for trekking and jungle walks inside the
sanctuary.
Sightseeing
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary offers a number of options for you to
indulge in and enjoy your trip. Previously the sanctuary was popular for
finest stands of teak but today only a few have remained. The famous
Kannimari teak tree which has the distinction of being the largest in Asia.
Besides, you can spot animals like tiger, leopard, wild dog, sloth bear,
elephant, barking deer, spotted deer, langurs etc. The sanctuary also
harbours the largest number of Gaurs. Climbing the watchtowers to view the
wildlife is also a nice option here. One of the towers is located at
Anappadi, the other lies at Zungam. Boat and Jeep safaris can be undertaken
in the sanctuary.
Getting There
The closest railhead from here is Palghat (70 km). Trichur is the other
convenient railway link. From Palghat, you can take a bus to reach Pollachi.
It's a two hour drive from Palghat to Pollachi. There are regular buses
available. Parambikulam is just a few hours drive from Pollachi. Coimbatore
lies at a distance of 40 km from Pollachi, providing links to all the major
cities and towns of the state and the country.
Activities
- Climbing watchtowers at the wildlife sanctuary to view the wild life
is liked a lot by many tourists here.
- Go for boating in boat-cruises at Parambikulam reservoir.
- Staying at rest houses located in the forests at Thunakadavu,
Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree house in Thoonakkadavu.
- Bird-watching to watch the variety of rare birds as Darter, Little
Cormorant, Black Eagle etc.
- Go for trekking in the wildlife sanctuary.
- Enjoy elephant-ride with your loved ones.
