Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, Srivilliputhur: History, highlights and visitor guide

History and context

The story behind Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary was declared in 1988 or 1989 (sources differ) and covers about 485 square kilometres, mostly in Virudhunagar district with a share in Madurai district. Since 2021 it forms part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve.

Useful facts

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance

Location

Western Ghats hills behind Srivilliputhur, Virudhunagar district

Experience type

Forest edge walks and guided treks

Known for

Grizzled giant squirrel, elephants, lion-tailed macaque, tahr

Area

About 485 sq km

Access

On foot only inside; arrange through the wildlife warden

Why it matters

Why Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time

This is a big sanctuary for a small town. Its forest is mostly dry deciduous with patches of evergreen, and it lies on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. Besides the grizzled giant squirrel, it holds elephants, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri tahr and more than 275 recorded bird species, plus a wealth of butterflies.

It also forms part of a larger conservation landscape. Together with the neighbouring Megamalai sanctuary it was merged in 2021 into the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve. For visitors, the value is simple: a rare chance to see a quiet Western Ghats forest close to a historic temple town, without the crowds of better-known parks. Facilities are modest, which is part of its character.

Highlights

What not to miss

1. 01

   Grizzled giant squirrel

   A large canopy squirrel that gave the sanctuary its name; listen for its calls.

2. 02

   Shenbaga Thoppu

   The forest at the town's edge, with a Petchiamman temple at the entrance.

3. 03

   Birds and butterflies

   Over 275 bird species and more than 220 butterfly species are recorded.

Plan your visit

How to experience it

The sanctuary's name comes from the grizzled giant squirrel, a large, long-tailed tree squirrel of the Western Ghats that lives in the canopy. Most travellers start at Shenbaga Thoppu, the dense forest at the edge of town where a Petchiamman temple stands at the entrance. Government buses run there from Srivilliputhur. From the entrance you can walk quietly along the forest edge, listening for the squirrels' calls and watching for birds and butterflies.

Deeper visits are different. There are no roads inside, so you must go on foot with a guide, which the sanctuary office can arrange. Forest rest houses exist at Mudungiar, Pudupatti and Mudaliaroothu, and temples scattered in the hills draw pilgrims through the year. Water is scarce in the dry season, and the terrain is steep and hot, so go prepared.

Go early, wear long sleeves, closed shoes and a hat, carry water and food, and keep your distance from elephants, which share these hills. Contact the Wildlife Warden in Srivilliputhur before you travel, and do not enter beyond permitted areas.

Know before you go

Timing, access and comfort

Area

Hills behind Srivilliputhur; the wildlife warden's office is in town and the usual entry is at Shenbaga Thoppu

Time needed

Half a day at the forest edge; a full day or overnight for a guided trek

Best time

Cooler months, roughly November to February; avoid peak summer when water is scarce

Walking level

Demanding

Senior comfort

There are no roads inside the sanctuary, so any real visit involves walking on forest paths in heat and humidity, with few toilets or seats. Older travellers should keep to the forest edge near Shenbaga Thoppu and the Petchiamman shrine at the entrance.

Tickets and access

Entry permissions, fees and guide charges are not published. The Wildlife Warden's office in Srivilliputhur handles access and can arrange guides; the sanctuary is now part of the Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve, so confirm current rules before you go.

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