A diverse sanctuary of flora and fauna

Prepare to discover an oasis of breathtaking beauty and abundant wildlife when you explore the Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary near Srivilliputhur. This sanctuary is contiguous to the protected areas of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Megamalai Reserve, and Sivagiri Reserve. The sanctuary is filled with grasslands and lush evergreen forests, and is famous for the rare grizzled squirrel, a large tree squirrel. You may also spot other animals such as the Indian Giant Squirrel, Flying Squirrels, elephants, gaurs, deers and even tigers. It is also famous for bird species such as Red-faced Malkoha, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Malayan Night Heron.

Nature’s bounty all around

This beautiful range marks the eastern boundary for River Periyar's watershed, while also hosting an abundant forest that is carefully protected. This sanctuary celebrates a diversity of habitats, such as wide grasslands, lush wet evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, green moist deciduous forests, charming open deciduous forests and secluded closed deciduous forests. Wildlife in that area is truly spectacular, including elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, Nilgiri Tahr, spotted deer, Indian Giant Squirrels (IGSs), Flying Squirrels and various types of primates.

Get your binoculars ready

Birdwatchers will delight in discovering that this sanctuary hosts more than 200 different bird species - some rare such as Red-faced Malkoha, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Malayan Night Heron! This sanctuary is especially important in protecting the Grizzled Squirrel, an endangered species found only in South India and Sri Lanka. Visitors have an amazing opportunity to observe these captivating squirrels as they feed in the morning and evening hours while taking breaks during midday hours.