Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve near Sivagiri with terrain ranging from lowland plains to mountain peaks at over 2,000 meters. The protected area features diverse habitats connected by walking paths that visitors can explore.

The sanctuary was established in 1988 by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department to protect the grizzled giant squirrel in the Western Ghats. This protected status helped safeguard a species found only in this mountain region.

The Paliyan people have long gathered plants here for traditional medicine, keeping their knowledge of local healing practices alive. Visitors walking through the sanctuary can see how communities and nature have existed together for generations.

Entry permits from the Tamil Nadu Forest Department are required before visiting the sanctuary. Since the area is accessible only by walking paths with no internal roads, plan for outdoor hiking as your main way to explore.

The sanctuary hosts over 275 bird species, including the Oriental white-backed vulture, and contains a dedicated area for medicinal plant conservation. This combination of wildlife and plant preservation makes it a remarkable research location.

Location: Sivagiri

GPS coordinates: 9.59315,77.56540

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41