Chinnar is located 60 km from Munnar and 18 Km from Marayoorin the direction of Udumalpetta. Approximately half way there lies the small town of Marayur from where jeeps, scooter rickshaws or buses can be boarded for the sanctuary. Once past Marayur, the organised neat looking plantations give way to more wild and natural surroundings. It is contiguous with Eravikulam National Park to the south, Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary to the northwest and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary to the east. It is one of twelve Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala.

Chinnar is a unique thorny scrub forest in the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats, about 60 kms from Munnar. The Park is around 90 sq. kms in area and its rugged undulating terrain has held a special fascination for the adventure traveller. It is the second habitat for the Giant Grizzled Squirrel (an endangered species) in India. The altitude varies from 500 to 2400 metres and one can sense the drastic variation in the climate and vegetation, since the gradients are quite steep. The highest peaks are Kottakombumalai (2144 metre), Vellaikal malai (1863m) and Viriyoottu malai (1845 metre). Unlike other forests of Kerala, Chinnar gets only about 48 rainy days in a year during October - November (North - East Monsoons). The forest types comprise thorny scrub forests, dry deciduous forests, high sholas and wet grasslands.
Elephants, Gaur, Panther, Spotted deer, Sambar, Giant Grizzled Squirrel, Hanuman monkey, Rabbit etc. inhabit the Chinnar forests.

Chinnar Watchtower this lofty watch tower has a panoramic view of the entire park, and beyond to the jungles of Tamil Nadu to the east and the majestic hills of the Western Ghats in all directions. The watch tower is accessible to the public with the permission of the forest department. The watchtower is a 20-minute walk from the Chinnar check post. A fee of Rs. 15 per person is collected at the tower. A Forest guard and tourist guide accompanies visitors. The guide charges Rs. 100 a day.