Explore These Forests Near Chennai

Of hills, jungles and adventure trips.

If you live in or around Chennai and are looking to go on some adventure over the weekend, then look no further. Not very far away from the city are a number of forests waiting to be explored. Be it tropical forests, wildlife reserves or large mangrove forests, there are many options near Chennai where you can go, escape the daily grind, and enjoy the lush, breathtaking landscapes.

Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary

The largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu near Coimbatore, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve is situated along the Western Ghats with an area of 545 sq mi, and is one of the most important wildlife corridors in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It was declared the fourth Tiger Reserve as a part of Project Tiger in Tamil Nadu back in 2013. The sanctuary is home to various species of animals like Royal Bengal tigers, sambhar, spotted deer, gaur, hyena, blackbuck, elephants and Mugger crocodiles. Among birds, there are four rare species of vultures, including White backed Vulture, Nephron Vulture, King Vulture and Long billed Vulture that are found there. You can either opt for a jeep safari or request for a forest officer’s permission to take your own car inside the forest. There are a lot of hotels for different budgets available near the sanctuary.

Distance from Chennai: 513 km
How to reach: Drive via NH 71 and pass by Erode
Best time to visit: October to January

Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

Those who have been to Ooty must be familiar with this wildlife sanctuary as it is situated very close to the hill station and comes under its local sightseeing packages. The well-known tiger reserve lies on the north-western side of the Nilgiri Hills or the Blue Mountains and shares its boundaries with Karnataka and Kerala. The forest area is divided into five ranges out of which Masinagudi, Thepakadu, Kargudi and Nellakota are a part along with Mudumalai. Known for being home to several endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, gaur, leopard among others, the park is also known its collection of over 270 species of birds. The tropical forest has beautiful attractions like Moyar River, Elephant Feeding Camp, Mudumalai Museum, Kallatty falls and Pykara Lake. There are jeep safari tours available inside the forest as well as camping and village tours.

Distance from Chennai: 569 km
How to reach: Drive via Mumbai highway or NH 79
Best time to visit: September to January

Vagamon Pine Forest

Situated in the Western Ghats, at the border of Kottayam and Idukki in Kerala, Vagamon is a hill station comprising beautiful series of valleys, hillocks and cascading waterfalls that makes you want visit it time and again. A splendid option for pro-trekkers, the path offers narrow, mist covered zigzag roads that wind up the hills. There are fun adventure options like trekking, para-gliding and rock climbing available near the forest. There are three hills that make up the forest: Thangal hill, Murugan hill and Kurismala. There are acres of pine trees at the forest along with a plethora of exotic wild life species including elephants, tigers, leopards, jackals as well as rare birds and insects.

Distance from Chennai: 616 km
How to reach: Drive via NH 183 or NH 44
Best time to visit: August to December

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary

Talking about wildlife and forest tours, this one tops the list near Chennai with its great scenic charm and rich bio-diversity. Situated in Thekkady, this huge sanctuary sprawled over an area of 925 sq km is the perfect example of nature’s bounty. Home to some of the rare and endemic flora and faunas, the forest is located in the Pandalam Hills and Cardamom Hills of the southern Western Ghats along the border with Tamil Nadu. There are over 35 species of mammals in the park, including Bengal tigers, gaur, sambar, Indian giant squirrel, sloth bear, Nilgiri Tahr and lion-tailed macaque, to name a few. The forests are known for their rich teakwood, rosewood and sandalwood along with its tea, cardamom and coffee plantations.

Distance from Chennai: 569 km
How to reach: Drive via Chennai-Theni Highway or take the NH 44
Best time to visit: August to December

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