Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Pariyaram in the Thrissur district of Kerala. The rich forest of Chimmini has plenty of rare flora and fauna, including endangered species. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary and is situated about 41 kilometers away from the city of Thrissur.

The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984 and it covers an area of 85.067 square kilometers. It is located on the western slopes of the Nelliyampathy Hills. It forms a contiguous protected area with Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, while also providing some habitat connectivity for wildlife with the nearby Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.

At a Glance

Wildlife and Activities at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Named after the Chimmini river that runs through it, the sanctuary features a dam that forms a reservoir and is a popular picnic spot offering scenic views of the forest and hills. The sanctuary’s terrain is diverse, ranging from evergreen forests to grasslands and rocky outcrops, with the highest peak being Punda peak at 1116 meters above sea level.

The sanctuary’s primary attraction is its abundant wildlife, with more than 200 species of birds, 39 species of mammals, 25 species of reptiles, 14 species of amphibians, and 31 species of fishes. Elephants, sambars, gaurs, Malabar giant squirrels, sloth bears, leopards, tigers, lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, and hornbills are among the notable animals that can be spotted here. Additionally, the sanctuary has a diverse array of plants, including medicinal herbs, orchids, ferns, and bamboo.

There are many activities that visitors can enjoy at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can go trekking along various trails that take visitors through different habitats and viewpoints. Also, opt for bamboo rafting on the reservoir and get a closer look at the aquatic life. The forest department organizes regular programs for trekking and rafting for visitors.

Feeling to stay overnight at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary? There are options to book accommodation at the inspection bungalow near the dam or at the dormitory at Echippara. Visitors can also camp at designated sites with prior permission from the forest department. Please note that visitors will need to bring their own food and water as there are no shops or restaurants inside the sanctuary.

Plan Your Visit

To enter Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors must obtain a permit from the wildlife warden at Peechi Wildlife Division and pay an entrance fee of INR 10 for adults, INR 5 for students, and INR 150 for foreigners. The sanctuary has facilities for parking two- and three-wheelers (INR 30), four-wheelers (INR 75), and heavy vehicles (INR 225). Visitors who wish to take pictures or videos must pay INR 50 and INR 225, respectively.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March and the opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. One can reach the sanctuary by road from any part of Kerala. The nearest railway station is Thrissur (39 kilometers) and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (55 kilometers).

The sanctuary offers various activities such as trekking, butterfly safari, and bird watching, with fees ranging from INR 150 per person for each activity. Visitors can also opt for an overnight stay at Myna Eco-retreat Anaporu, which costs INR 6875 for three persons and an additional INR 1875 per person. To learn more or book a visit, visitors can contact Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary at 0480-2766972 or Chimmony Checkpost at 0480-3209234.

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse ecosystem of the Western Ghats and a chance to witness some amazing animals and birds in their natural habitat. So pack bags and head to Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary for an unforgettable experience! Have any questions? Feel free to post a comment below.