Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR). India’s 51st tiger reserve, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu was declared through a notification dated 8 February 2021.
Location
Located in Southern Western Ghats (UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage Site) of Tamil Nadu, India . Western Ghats is Older than the Himalaya mountains.
Nearest Towns: Srivilliputhur, Sivakasi and Rajapalayam.
Nearest railway station: Srivilliputtur (station code: SVPR)
Nearest Airport: Madurai (IXM)
Nearest Star Hotel: Hotel Amil, Rajapalayam
Entrance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fz6nsh2vH9RWTXED7
Best Time to Visit
The sanctuary can be visited throughout the year. Best time is October to February. Check for specific, restricted access dates, particularly around monsoon or forest fire seasons.
Best Time: Early morning (6 AM – 11 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM – 4 PM) is ideal for spotting the squirrels.
List of important fauna found Saptur Reserve Forest, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur
The sanctuary is home to a number of animals, birds, reptiles and flora of varied species. Some of the most common animals found here include Tiger, Elephant, Nilgiri Thar, Grizzled Giant Squirrel, Common Langur, Leopard, Dhole, Slender Loris, Indian Gaur, Sambar, Chital, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Brown Palm Civet, Common Mongoose, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Sloth Bear, Ruddy Mongoose, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Pig, Indian Pangolin, Star Tortoise, Indian Porcupine, Monitor Lizard, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Serpent Eagle, Eagle Owl, Jungle Owlet, Indian Scops Owl, Emerald Dove, Great Indian Hornbill, Peafowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, Spectacled Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Krait. are some of the bird species that you can watch and enjoy in Srivilliputhur Sanctuary.
Star Hotel Near Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Srivilliputhur
Hotel Amil Rajapalayam is the nearest Star Hotel near Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary.Distance: Approx. 14.7 km from Srivilliputhur.
Amenities: Swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurant, banquet hall, travel desk and ample parking. Contact us for more details.
Testimonial of Foreign Tourist Guest
Great hotel near the Grizzled Squirrel Sanctuary. I heard about this hotel from a friend and decided to stay there to explore the nearby national park, which has a wide variety of species to offer. The hotel team organized everything for me as a foreigner for this trip. I especially remember Kumar, who always took good care of me. He came with me on the trekking tour and organized a driver. We had a great time and he is a very humorous and nice person! Without him, I would not have had such a great trip. So as a foreigner it is not that easy to book a ticket for the sanctuary. For that reason reach out to the hotel especially to Kumar. He will take care of you??
The hotel room is spotlessly clean, the staff are all very welcoming, and for the price, it’s one of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in India. The food is also very tasty, and the outdoor pool is perfect for cooling off. My friends will definitely be coming here too, and as I said, I can highly recommend it!
References
https://mee-tr.wii.gov.in/Home/Geospatial/srivilliputhur-megamalai-tiger-reserve#process
https://www.forests.tn.gov.in/pages/view/WildlifeSanctuaries
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342/
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/19381/22261644