Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is home to the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel, which is the largest squirrel species in the world. The sanctuary covers an area of 485 square kilometers and is located in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, as it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. In this guide, we will provide you with a complete guide to the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.
- History of Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 to protect the endangered Grizzled Giant Squirrel. The sanctuary was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The sanctuary was initially created with an area of 145 square kilometers, but its area was later increased to 485 square kilometers.
- Location and how to reach The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Srivilliputhur and Varushanad hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is easily accessible by road and is located about 70 kilometers from Madurai. The nearest airport is the Madurai Airport, which is about 90 kilometers from the sanctuary. The nearest railway station is the Sivakasi Railway Station, which is about 20 kilometers from the sanctuary.
- Flora and Fauna The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats, which is known for its rich biodiversity. The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the Indian Grey Hornbill, the Malabar Grey Hornbill, and the Great Pied Hornbill. The sanctuary is also home to several species of mammals, including the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the Nilgiri Langur, the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, the Bengal Tiger, and the Indian Elephant. The sanctuary is also home to several species of reptiles and amphibians.
- Best time to visit The best time to visit the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the sanctuary is teeming with wildlife. The monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is not an ideal time to visit the sanctuary, as the rains can make it difficult to access the sanctuary.
- Accommodation options There are several accommodation options available near the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary itself does not have any accommodation facilities. However, there are several homestays and resorts located near the sanctuary that offer comfortable accommodation. Some of the popular accommodation options include the Royal Retreat, the Wild Walkers, and the Cardamom House.
- Things to do The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary offers several activities for visitors. Visitors can go on nature walks and birdwatching tours, where they can observe the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity. Visitors can also go on trekking tours and explore the sanctuary’s scenic trails. The sanctuary also has several picnic spots, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic amidst the sanctuary’s beautiful surroundings.
- Conservation efforts The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area, and several conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect its flora and fauna. The sanctuary is managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, which has implemented several measures to protect the sanctuary’s wildlife. The sanctuary is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
FAQs:
- Can we go on a safari in the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary ? No, there are no official safari options in the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is relatively small and can be easily explored on foot with the help of a guide.
- Is it safe to visit the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary? Yes, it is safe to visit the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary. However, it is recommended to take necessary precautions while hiking or trekking inside the sanctuary.
- What is the best time to visit the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary? The best time to visit the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is between October and May, when the weather is pleasant and there are higher chances of spotting wildlife.
- Are there any accommodation options available inside the sanctuary? No, there are no accommodation options available inside the sanctuary. However, there are several hotels and resorts located in the nearby town of Valparai.
- What is the entry fee for the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary? The entry fee for the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is Rs. 10 per person.