In short
- Eravikulam has high-altitude shola grasslands and the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Chinnar is a dry deciduous forest known for guided waterfall treks.
- Eravikulam closes completely for 45 to 60 days in February and March.
In this article
Choosing between these two parks depends on your schedule and travel style. Eravikulam is a short drive from Munnar and requires visitors to ride an official safari bus. Chinnar sits further away in a rain shadow region and focuses on active, guided walking trails.
Eravikulam vs Chinnar wildlife sanctuary: What is the main difference?
Eravikulam is a cool mountain habitat, while Chinnar is a dry, thorny forest in a rain shadow.
Eravikulam spans 97 square kilometers of high-altitude shola grasslands. It receives heavy rain and mist. Chinnar covers 90.44 square kilometers but only gets about 500 mm of annual rainfall. This difference creates two completely distinct ecosystems.
| Feature | Eravikulam National Park | Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Shola grasslands | Dry deciduous forest |
| Access | Mandatory safari bus | Guided walking treks |
| Distance from Munnar | 20 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| Key Animal | Nilgiri Tahr | Grizzled Giant Squirrel |
Which park is better for spotting wildlife?
Eravikulam guarantees sightings of the Nilgiri Tahr, while Chinnar offers a chance to see rare squirrels and reptiles.
Eravikulam protects the largest wild population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. These mountain goats are highly visible along the paved Kurinji Trail. Chinnar requires more patience for wildlife viewing. You might spot Grizzled Giant Squirrels, Indian Star Tortoises, or crocodiles.
How do you get around inside the parks?
Eravikulam relies on park-operated buses, whereas Chinnar focuses on walking.
Private vehicles cannot enter Eravikulam past the 5th Mile base. You must transfer to a forest department mini-bus for a 20-30 minute ride. In Chinnar, exploration happens on foot. You cannot trek without a certified forest guide.
Which park is closer to Munnar town?
Eravikulam is significantly closer, taking just 20 minutes to reach by car.
The Eravikulam base station is a short drive from Munnar. A local taxi costs ₹800 to ₹2000. Chinnar sits further down State Highway 17. The drive to Chinnar takes roughly 1.5 hours.
What time of year is best for each park?
Both are best from September to January, but Eravikulam closes completely in February and March.
Eravikulam shuts down for 45 to 60 days every year during the Nilgiri Tahr calving season. Chinnar remains open year-round. September through January provides cool, clear weather for exploring either park. Read more at Calving Season Closure.
What are the entry fees for Eravikulam vs Chinnar?
Eravikulam costs ₹200 for Indian adults and ₹500 for foreigners.
At Eravikulam, you also pay a ₹50 reservation fee. Camera charges range from ₹50 to ₹350. The safari bus ride is included in this ticket. Chinnar charges separate entry and trekking fees depending on the specific trail.
Questions travellers ask
Can I hike Anamudi Peak in Eravikulam?
Trekking up Anamudi Peak is heavily restricted. Visitors can view South India's highest peak (2,695 meters) from designated safe zones inside the park.
How long is the Thoovanam Waterfalls trek in Chinnar?
The guided jungle trek is 4 kilometers long. It takes 2 to 3 hours starting from the Alampetty check post.
Are private cars allowed inside Eravikulam National Park?
No. Private vehicles must park at designated areas outside the 5th Mile entrance. Visitors then take official forest mini-buses into the park.
