Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary – Virudhunagar

Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary, lies predominantly in Virudhunagar District and partly in Madurai District. Notably, the sanctuary stretches across the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, thereby enjoying a strategic ecological location. It is bounded by the Andipatti Hills to the north, Tirunelveli District to the south, Srivilliputhur and Rajapalayam towns to the east, and Theni District to the west.

Moreover, the sanctuary shares its boundaries with the Periyar Tiger Reserve on the southwestern side, the Megamalai Reserve Forest on the northwestern side, and the Sivagiri Reserve Forest on the southern side. Authorities established this protected area in 1988 with the primary objective of conserving the vulnerable grizzled giant squirrel. Since then, the sanctuary has expanded conservation efforts and today covers an extensive area of 485 square kilometres.

The Sanctuary – Nature’s Treasure Trove

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary abounds in natural beauty, featuring serene valleys, dense forests, and towering hills with peaks rising up to 5,900 feet. Consequently, the landscape offers a remarkable blend of scenic charm and ecological richness.

In addition, several rivers—including the Periyar, Naragaiar, Pachaiar, Mangar, Kovilar, and Pairakudraiar—flow through the sanctuary. These rivers continuously nourish the vegetation and sustain diverse wildlife habitats. Furthermore, the Pilavakkal and Koilar Dams lie at the foothills of the sanctuary and attract numerous visitors who seek peaceful wildlife and birdwatching experiences.

Beyond its natural splendour, the sanctuary also provides adventurous experiences such as trekking and remains accessible throughout the year. Therefore, nature enthusiasts can enjoy activities like nature walks, bird watching, jungle safaris, and trekking while immersing themselves in the tranquil forest ambience. Additionally, visitors can stay at Forest Guest Houses located at Mudungiar, Pudupatti, and Mudaliaroothu, or at the PWD Rest House in Srivilliputhur. To enhance visitor experience, forest officials arrange transportation and provide trained guides.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary shelters several rare and endemic species and thus stands as a significant biodiversity hotspot. Along with the iconic grizzled giant squirrel, visitors can also spot elephants, Bengal tigers, Nilgiri langurs, Nilgiri tahrs, gaurs, and various other wildlife species. Moreover, the sanctuary supports more than 275 species of birds, numerous reptiles, and over 220 species of butterflies.

Notably, the Grizzled Squirrel (Ratufa macroura) remains the crown jewel of this thriving ecosystem. Multiple perennial water sources further sustain dense vegetation and maintain ecological balance. As a result of diverse forest formations, the sanctuary hosts a rich mix of tropical evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, grasslands, and cultivated land.

Useful Information for Tourists

The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary remains open every day from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For the convenience of visitors, the entry and facility charges are as follows:

• Entry Fee (below 5 years) – Free
• Entry Fee (5 to 12 years) – Rs. 10/-
• Entry Fee (Adults) – Rs. 15/-
• Parking Fee – Rs. 15/-
• Still Camera Fee – Rs. 25/-
• Video Camera Fee – Rs. 150/-

How to Reach Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitors can easily reach the sanctuary by road, as the surrounding regions connect efficiently through National Highways NH 41, NH 44, and NH 186. In fact, the sanctuary lies about 45 kilometres from Virudhunagar town, from where regular TNSRTC bus services operate.

For rail travelers, Srivilliputhur Railway Station, located just 5 kilometres away, and Virudhunagar Railway Station, about 15 kilometres away, serve as the nearest railheads. Meanwhile, for air travel, Madurai Airport stands as the closest airport, situated approximately 100 kilometres from the sanctuary.