Watch Towers
Because Chinnar’s dry, sparsely wooded terrain offers longer sightlines than Kerala’s denser wet. Forests, its watchtowers give visitors a good chance of spotting elephant. Spotted deer and grizzled giant squirrel from a stationary. Safe vantage point rather than an active trek. Watch Towers is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include St. Sebastian's Church, Watch Towers Fishing Harbour, and Watch Towers Lighthouse Viewpoint.
Watch Towers at a Glance
Essential information about Watch Towers.
Overview
Because Chinnar’s dry, sparsely wooded terrain offers longer sightlines than Kerala’s denser wet forests, its watchtowers give visitors a good chance of spotting elephant, spotted deer and grizzled giant squirrel from a stationary, safe vantage point rather than an active trek. Watch Towers is typically explored in about 1-2 hours. The best time to visit is October to March. Nearby points of interest include St. Sebastian's Church, Watch Towers Fishing Harbour, and Watch Towers Lighthouse Viewpoint. Other notable highlights include dawn elephant herd sightings from wooden deck, grizzled giant squirrel spotting near tower steps, and panoramic view of Marayoor sandalwood forest below. It falls within Idukki district, India.
Highlights
- Dawn elephant herd sightings from wooden deck
- Grizzled giant squirrel spotting near tower steps
- Panoramic view of Marayoor sandalwood forest below
- Silent birdwatching for yellow-throated bulbul at dusk
- Cool breeze and shade during midday heat
- Photographing Chinnar River bend from top rail
Getting There
Things To Do
Tribal heritage talk and craft demo near the Chinnar watchtower base
After your tower visit, walk to the nearby Muthuvan tribal settlement where elders demonstrate traditional honey collection and basket weaving, while sharing stories of how they use the watchtower’s sightlines to track animal movements. This is a respectful, small-group cultural exchange — no staged performances.
1 hour
Full-moon night observation from the Karimpuzha watchtower
On clear full-moon nights, the forest department opens this remote tower for a special two-hour session — no flashlights, just moonlight and silence. You may hear sambar alarm calls or see the glow of leopard eyes from a distance; a ranger stays on site for safety and commentary.
2 hours (night only, by prior permit)
Sunrise wildlife spotting at the Alampatty watchtower
Begin your day early at this elevated wooden platform, where the first light reveals herds of gaur, spotted deer, and sometimes elephants moving across Chinnar’s dry grasslands. Carry binoculars and sit quietly — the best sightings happen in the first two hours after dawn.
2-3 hours
Evening photography session at the Vannathippara watchtower
Set up your camera on the upper deck of this lesser-known tower, which faces the Marayoor sandalwood forests and the distant Western Ghats ridges. Golden hour here is spectacular, with warm light bouncing off the riverine sandbanks and occasional sambar deer crossing the open glades.
1.5-2 hours
Birdwatching circuit from the Champakkad watchtower
Take the short, flat loop trail that circles the Champakkad tower, a known hotspot for the endangered grizzled giant squirrel and over 250 bird species including the white-bellied woodpecker and crested hawk-eagle. A local bird guide can be hired at the entry checkpoint to help identify calls and nests.
3 hours
Guided trek to the Koottar viewpoint tower
Join a forest department naturalist on a 4 km trail through thorny scrub and riverine patches, ending at a two-storey stone watchtower that overlooks the Chinnar River bend. The guide will point out endemic birds like the yellow-throated bulbul and explain the unique shola-grassland ecology.
4 hours (including trek and tower time)
Travel Tips
Plan a Slow, Group-Friendly Pace with a Designated Meeting Point
For group travellers, agree on a meeting time and spot (like a bench near the entrance) before climbing, as not everyone will want to stay the same length. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour for the visit, including time to sit and enjoy the view—don’t rush the experience.
Check for Accessibility and Restroom Facilities Beforehand
Not all watch towers in Kerala have elevators or ground-floor restrooms, so call ahead to confirm if anyone in your group has mobility issues. Also, ask about nearby seating, shade, and whether the tower has a rest point halfway—this helps you decide if it’s suitable for everyone.
Book the Watch Tower Entry and Boat Ride in Advance
Watch Towers in Kerala, like those in Thekkady or Kumarakom, often have limited daily slots for senior and group visits. Reserve your tickets online or through your hotel at least 2–3 days ahead to avoid long queues and ensure a comfortable time slot, preferably morning hours when it’s cooler.
Wear Non-Slip Footwear and Use the Handrails
Tower staircases and viewing platforms can be slippery, especially after rain or early dew. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes and always hold the handrails while climbing; for seniors, take it one step at a time and rest at the small landings provided.
Carry Light Layers and a Water Bottle, But Skip Heavy Bags
Mornings at watch towers can be breezy and cool, while afternoons turn humid and hot. Bring a light shawl or jacket and a small water bottle, but leave backpacks, large umbrellas, and tripods in the vehicle—most towers have narrow staircases and no locker facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to book online through the Kerala Forest Department website, especially during peak season, as walk-in tickets are limited. There is a nominal entry fee, and senior citizens (above 60) usually get a discounted rate, but you must carry a valid photo ID for proof. Some towers also require a mandatory guide or jeep safari fee, which is separate.
Most watch towers in Kerala, like those in Thekkady or Wayanad, require climbing a series of steep steps, and there are no elevators or ramps. However, many have rest areas and railings, so a walking stick is helpful; we recommend checking with the specific forest department office beforehand. For those who cannot climb, the ground-level viewpoints often offer equally beautiful scenery.
The ideal time is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and cooler temperatures, making climbing and walking more comfortable. Avoid the monsoon months (June to September) as paths can be slippery and views are often obscured by heavy rain. Early mornings are also best to avoid the midday heat.
Yes, follow all forest department rules: do not lean over the railings, stay on designated paths, and avoid making loud noises that could disturb wildlife. For senior travellers, we advise taking breaks every 10-15 steps, and if you have heart or breathing conditions, consult your doctor before attempting the climb. Also, mobile networks are often weak, so inform your hotel or driver about your expected return time.
Carry plenty of drinking water, light snacks, a hat or cap, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit, as there are no shops near most towers. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, and carry a light rain jacket or poncho even in dry season, as mountain weather can change suddenly. Binoculars are a great addition for spotting wildlife, but avoid carrying heavy backpacks as you will be walking on uneven terrain.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Watch Towers
Day 1
Arrive in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and settle into the rhythm of the forest. Begin with a gentle introduction to the watch towers, focusing on the most accessible ones for a relaxed first day. The afternoon is ideal for spotting grizzled giant squirrels and elephant herds from a safe distance, followed by a quiet evening by the Chinnar River.
- Visit the Alampatty Watch Tower in the late morning, a short walk from the main road, offering panoramic views of the dry deciduous forest and the distant Western Ghats.
- Take a guided nature walk along the riverine trail near the sanctuary entrance, where you can spot langurs, peacocks, and occasional deer drinking at the water’s edge.
- Climb the Vazhachal Watch Tower (a moderate 200-step climb) in the late afternoon, just before sunset, to observe sambar and wild boar emerging into the open grasslands.
Day 2
Dedicate the second day to the more remote watch towers that offer the best wildlife sightings, especially early morning and late evening. Combine tower visits with a cultural stop at the local tribal settlement to understand the region’s history. End the day with a final sunset vigil from the highest accessible point.
- Start before dawn at the Kanthalloor Watch Tower, where the open terrain allows clear views of elephants and sometimes leopards moving along the forest edge.
- Visit the Chinnar Watch Tower (the main one) mid-morning, and use the spotting scope to identify birds like the yellow-throated bulbul and white-bellied treepie.
- In the afternoon, take a short detour to the Indira Gandhi National Park border viewpoint (adjacent to Chinnar) for a combined view of both sanctuaries, then return for a relaxed evening walk around the tribal hamlet to see traditional mud houses and spice gardens.
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Tour Packages for Watch Towers
Chinnar
Kerala
2 place(s) covered within Chinnar
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