KURINJIMALA SANCTUARY
Kurinjimala Sanctuary is covered area of 32 km core habitat of the endangered Neelakurinji in Kottakamboor and Vattavada villages in Devakulam, Idukki district of Kerala.
History: Kurinjimala Sanctuary was declared by Kerala Misnister Benoy Viswam at the Neelakurinji Fest at Munnar on October 7, 2006 bloom, massive flowering of Neelakurinji attracted nearly ten lakh (1,000,000) people to Munnar and other places.
As per the Government notification, this sanctuary is protected for long time for its unique biodiversity of the area, Especially Stronilanthes Kunthiana and its habitat. Private holding having legal titles are taken out from the sanctuary area.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Kurinjimala Sanctuary is home to many rare species of flora. This sanctuary contains Neelakurinji plant which is endangered species. This Sanctuary is covered with high altitude Sholas and Montane grasslands.
Fauna: This sanctuary is said to be home for threatened species such as Gaur, Nilgiri tahr and deer. The new sanctuary is nearby Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the northwest, Manjampatti Valley in Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the west, Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. This sanctuary is known to be continuity and connectivity to these five protected areas.
Accommodation: Government did not provide any boarding facility at the sanctuary. Visitors have to stay at Munnar which is 48 km from the sanctuary.
How to reach Kurinjimala Sanctuary:
By Air: Kochi, Nedumbassery airport is near to this sanctuary
By Rail: Though Theni in Tamil Nadu, it is the nearest railway station and it is 125 km, Of course, Aluva railway station is about 150 km away but it is most preferred as it is a major train station
By Road: The Munnar is about 44 km to the Kurinjimala Sanctuary
History: Kurinjimala Sanctuary was declared by Kerala Misnister Benoy Viswam at the Neelakurinji Fest at Munnar on October 7, 2006 bloom, massive flowering of Neelakurinji attracted nearly ten lakh (1,000,000) people to Munnar and other places.
As per the Government notification, this sanctuary is protected for long time for its unique biodiversity of the area, Especially Stronilanthes Kunthiana and its habitat. Private holding having legal titles are taken out from the sanctuary area.
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Kurinjimala Sanctuary is home to many rare species of flora. This sanctuary contains Neelakurinji plant which is endangered species. This Sanctuary is covered with high altitude Sholas and Montane grasslands.
Fauna: This sanctuary is said to be home for threatened species such as Gaur, Nilgiri tahr and deer. The new sanctuary is nearby Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary to the northwest, Manjampatti Valley in Amaravati reserve forest of Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northeast, Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Shola National Park to the west, Pampadum Shola National Park to the south and the proposed Palani Hills National Park to the east. This sanctuary is known to be continuity and connectivity to these five protected areas.
Accommodation: Government did not provide any boarding facility at the sanctuary. Visitors have to stay at Munnar which is 48 km from the sanctuary.
How to reach Kurinjimala Sanctuary:
By Air: Kochi, Nedumbassery airport is near to this sanctuary
By Rail: Though Theni in Tamil Nadu, it is the nearest railway station and it is 125 km, Of course, Aluva railway station is about 150 km away but it is most preferred as it is a major train station
By Road: The Munnar is about 44 km to the Kurinjimala Sanctuary
