Chinnar National Park is situated in the rain shadow region of the western ghats in the Idukki district of Kerala. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984, the area is covered with mixed vegetation which includes dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands.
This park is very similar to the Tayrona Natural Park in Santa Marta Colombia. The natural park is a treasure for those interested in nature, it has fascinating wildlife.
The Tayrona National Park is a protected area in the Colombian northern Caribbean region and within the jurisdiction of the Department of Magdalena and 34 kilometres from the city of Santa Marta.
Tayrona National Park is the best experience of the country for my fellow travelers.
Santa Marta is the closest city to the National Park.
The popular Tayrona Park lies at the Caribbean coast near Santa Marta in Colombia. It has some of South America’s loveliest coastline. This little, delightful spot is located about 30 minutes from the city of Rodadero, with beautiful beaches, hammocks to rent for the night, food, water and surf
The Chinnar National Park
The altitudinal variation of the region that ranges from 500 to 2400 mts blesses it with a diverse variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is home to some of the highest peaks including Kottakombumalai (2144 mts), Vellaikalmalai (1863 mts) and Viriyottumalai (1845 mts). The wildlife sanctuary is located at easily approachable distances from the Eravikulam National Park and Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife Attractions in Chinnar Chinnar National Park
A drive of a few kilometers in the park along the road will introduce you to a variety of bird and butterfly species, especially the Lepidoptera. The park is home to more than 225 species of birds including Peafowl, Bulbul, Flycatcher, Kingfisher, Drongo, Bushchats, Hoopoes and other rare species such as the green-billed malcoha.
Besides these, other wild attractions of the area include animals like the common mongoose, huge mammals such as Elephants and Gaur, some species of deer including sambar and cheetal, a leopard or perhaps even a tiger.
A major attraction is the highly endangered Grizzled Squirrel, which can be seen playing around on the trees near the Chinnar checkpost.
Safaris
The forest department does not offer any conducted safaris, however there are other options like the ‘river trekking programme’ (from 6 to 11 AM & 3 to 6 PM, Rs. 50/person) and the ‘trek to thoovanam waterfall’ (Rs. 35/person). Other options include the trek to the pre-historic dolmens. Bookings can be made for all these programmes from the checkpost or the Eravikulam wildlife warden’s office.
Other Attractions:
Eravikulam National Park
The national park, situated at a short distance from Chinnar is complete with amazing natural beauty and a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr among other variety of rare animal and plant species.
Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary
The hard core wildlife fans have the option of visiting yet another wildlife destination. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated just across the border in the state of Tamil Nadu.