Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary

Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary protects a rare dry thorn forest ecosystem in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats, making it ecologically distinct from Kerala's typically wet forests. The sanctuary is the only habitat in Kerala for the critically endangered grizzled giant squirrel. The terrain includes thorny scrubland, riverine forest along the Chinnar River, and dry deciduous patches — a landscape more reminiscent of the Deccan than the Western Ghats. Guided trekking is the main way to explore, with trails of varying difficulty winding through the sanctuary. The sanctuary also protects star tortoises and has a notable population of bonnet macaques. Chinnar's proximity to Munnar makes it a rewarding off-the-beaten-track addition to a popular hill station trip.