Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour (Eravikulam National Park)

Experience the Wild Side of Munnar: Chinnar Wildlife Visiting Tour

If you’re heading to Munnar and craving a day immersed in nature, the Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour offers a compelling way to see some of the area’s most scenic and wildlife-rich spots. For around $41.18 per group (up to six people), you’ll spend about 7 to 8 hours exploring the lush landscapes, visiting iconic parks, waterfalls, and forests. Guided by local experts, this tour promises a blend of wildlife spotting, scenic views, and a taste of tribal culture—though, as some reviews highlight, it’s not without its quirks.

What we especially appreciate are two aspects: First, the chance to see Nilagiri Thar—a rare mountain goat—at Eravikulam National Park, and second, the opportunity to trek through the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary with real forest guides. Both experiences elevate this tour beyond typical sightseeing. However, a key consideration is that some parts of the tour are self-guided or require additional tickets, meaning extra planning and cost.

This tour suits nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers who enjoy a full day outdoors, and those eager for authentic encounters with local flora and fauna. It’s particularly fitting if you appreciate scenic drives, like waterfalls, and want to learn about tribal communities. If you’re expecting a fully professional English-speaking guide everywhere, be aware that some portions, like the trek in Chinnar, are led by local tribal guides speaking only in their native language.

Key Points

• Wildlife and Nature Focus: The tour centers on spotting animals like Nilagiri Thar and experiencing lush forests and waterfalls.
• Variety of Stops: From a tea museum to waterfalls, forests, and national parks, each spot offers unique sights and experiences.
• Authentic Trekking: Conducted by Kerala Forest Department, the forest trek adds an adventurous touch, though guides may not speak English.
• Price & Value: At around $41 for a group, the tour offers a comprehensive day out, but some activities require extra entry fees.
• Flexible for Nature Lovers: Ideal for travelers who want to spend most of their day outdoors, appreciating scenery and wildlife.
• Limited Guidance in Some Areas: Expect some self-guided exploration or guides speaking only local language during trekking.

A Deep Dive into the Chinnar Wildlife Visiting Tour

An Overview of the Itinerary

This tour is designed to cover a broad swath of Munnar’s natural beauty spread across six key stops, each with its own vibe and reason to visit. It starts at the Kannan Devan Tea Museum, where you’ll get a brief but insightful look into tea production and Munnar’s history. Though admission isn’t included in the price, the museum offers a good introduction to the region’s tea heritage. We love that this sets a gentle pace and familiarizes you with local culture before heading into the wild.

Next, the trip takes you to Rajamalai (Eravikulam) National Park, which is the star attraction for wildlife watchers. Here, you can sometimes spot the Nilagiri Thar, a mountain goat species endemic to the Western Ghats. The park is open most months except February and March, which is worth keeping in mind. Expect a three-hour visit that involves walking and wildlife viewing, with park entry fees not included.

Following that, a quick stop at Lakkam Waterfalls allows for a short, refreshing break—ideal for a quick water-themed photo or a natural shower experience. This stop is only 30 minutes long, so plan to enjoy the cascading waters and perhaps snap a few scenic shots.

The Marayoor Sandalwood Forest offers a different perspective—riding through fragrant sandalwood trees and possibly spotting wild deer inside the forest. This free stop provides a peaceful, aromatic walk among one of Kerala’s most precious resources.

Then, a visit to Thoovanam Waterfalls is a brief but picturesque stop, where the sound of rushing water creates a tranquil atmosphere perfect for a quick pause amid nature.

Finally, the highlight for many is the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. Here, you can try to spot wildlife—perhaps even get a jungle trek guided by tribal locals. The 1-hour visit involves walking through forested areas, with guides speaking only in their native language, which some travelers find a bit challenging but authentic in its wild simplicity. Admission fees are not included, but the experience of walking through the forest and observing animals in their habitat is genuinely special.

Transportation and Group Dynamics

The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation—a significant perk in the often hot and humid climate of Kerala. Traveling comfortably in a small group (up to 6) makes for a more personalized experience. The driver is noted to be responsive—Loretta B. appreciated how attentive her driver was to her needs. The flexibility of private transport means you can enjoy the scenic drives at your own pace, pulling out your camera at every bend.

What the Reviews Say

Cristina D. found the tour to be quite “touristy,” noting that she felt only some parts were guided, with her team having to explore much of the spots independently. She also mentioned the language barrier during the forest trek, stating, “none speaks English,” which might be frustrating for travelers expecting detailed explanations.

On the other hand, Loretta B. described her day as “exciting” and “breathtaking,” emphasizing the “scenery” and the responsiveness of her driver. Her experience highlights the visual and emotional payoff of the tour, especially if you love capturing scenic moments.

The Practical Side: Pricing and Extra Fees

While the price of $41.18 provides good value considering the transportation and multiple stops, bear in mind that admission tickets are not included for the parks and museums. If you wish to visit the tea museum or the national park, you should budget extra for entry fees. The waterfalls and sandalwood forest are free to explore and do not require tickets.

The tour does not include lunch, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to eat at one of the local eateries near the starting point.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for nature lovers who don’t mind a full day outdoors, appreciate wildlife, and enjoy scenic drives and photography. If you’re intrigued by endemic species like the Nilagiri Thar and want a taste of tribal guide-led trekking, this tour offers that in spades. However, if you prefer guided explanations in English at every stop, you might find some parts less informative—particularly the forest trek.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For roughly seven hours of exploring forests, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries, this tour provides a well-rounded look at Munnar’s natural treasures. The private transport, scenic spots, and wildlife encounters make it a good value, especially if you’re eager to see a broad swath of the region without the hassle of organizing multiple visits yourself.

That said, it’s important to be prepared for some parts where guides speak only local language, and extra fees for park entries can add up. It’s a suitable choice for travelers who prioritize scenic beauty and wildlife, and who are comfortable with a flexible, somewhat independent exploration style.

In sum, this tour offers a lively, authentic glimpse into the wild heart of Munnar—perfect for those who want to experience Kerala’s lush landscapes up close and personal.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, making it a full day of sightseeing and outdoor activities.

What is included in the price?
The price covers private, air-conditioned transportation and the guided visits to each of the six spots. It does not include entrance fees or lunch.

Are the guides bilingual?
At some stops, such as the parks and waterfalls, guides are provided but may only speak the local language. This might limit detailed explanations during the trek in Chinnar.

Can I visit the parks and waterfalls without extra charges?
Waterfalls and sandalwood forest are free to visit. However, entry fees are not included for parks and museums, so plan for additional costs.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the nature of the trek and long outdoor hours. Small children should be prepared for walking and some unstructured exploration.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, and comfortable walking shoes. If you want to take photos, a camera or smartphone is essential.

Is this a guided or self-guided experience?
The wildlife sanctuary walk is guided by local tribal guides, but other stops are self-guided or require minimal guidance.

What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour is available year-round, but check the park’s opening months. Avoid February and March for Eravikulam National Park if you want to see the Nilagiri Thar.

To sum it up, the Chinnar Wild-life Visiting Tour provides an authentic, scenic, and wildlife-rich experience for those eager to explore Munnar’s natural splendors. It strikes a good balance between guided and independent exploration, making it an excellent choice for adventure-minded travelers seeking genuine encounters with Kerala’s lush landscapes.