Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a renowned wildlife sanctuary located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. Situated in the Western Ghats, it covers an area of about 85 square kilometers and is known for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural beauty.
The sanctuary is named after the Chimmony River, which flows through its dense forests and adds to its charm. It was established in 1984 and has since been an important conservation area for various species of flora and fauna.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is characterized by evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, and grasslands. The diverse habitat supports a wide range of wildlife species. Some of the commonly spotted animals include elephants, leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, Malabar giant squirrels, wild boars, and several species of monkeys. The sanctuary is also home to over 180 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
One of the main attractions of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is its trekking trails. The sanctuary offers well-marked trails that take visitors through the lush green forests, allowing them to explore its natural beauty up close. Trekking through the sanctuary provides an opportunity to spot wildlife, observe exotic birds, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Apart from trekking, the sanctuary offers facilities for camping and wildlife safaris. Visitors can opt for jeep safaris or elephant rides to explore the sanctuary further. The guided safaris provide a chance to see animals in their natural habitat and learn about the flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is also significant for its conservation efforts and eco-tourism initiatives. The sanctuary authorities work towards preserving the delicate ecosystem and raising awareness about wildlife conservation among visitors. They also conduct educational programs and nature camps to promote environmental consciousness.
To visit Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, it is advisable to obtain prior permission from the forest department. The best time to visit is during the winter months (October to February) when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
In conclusion, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Kerala’s natural landscapes and encounter its diverse wildlife. Whether it’s trekking through the forests, spotting animals and birds, or simply enjoying the tranquility of nature, the sanctuary promises a memorable and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.
Chimmini / Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a national park in Kerala along the Western Ghats located in the Mukundapuram taluk of Thrissur District. Established in 1984, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a wide range of exotic flora and fauna. Another great feature of this tourist attraction is that it lies contiguous with the Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary. The picturesque location of the dam and the rare flora and fauna draws many locals and tourists to this picnic spot alike. Get more information about Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary and the nearest tourist attractions through our website.
A Dense Tropical Forest
Chimmony is a dense tropical forest blessed with abundant flora and fauna. Located in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur district, you can reach this national park within a 2-hour drive from Kochi. One of the highlights of this picnic spot is that it lies near the renowned Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located at a height of 1116 meters above sea level. Punda Peak is the highest point in this sanctuary. Besides, this picnic spot consists of the watershed areas of the Mupliam River and the Kurumali River. Chimmony Dam is nestled inside this wildlife sanctuary which is built across the Chimmony River.
Rich Flora And Fauna
Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal picnic spot for wildlife lovers and family vacationers because they can spot exotic wildlife in this place. If you are on a trip to Thrissur, you can include this wildlife sanctuary in your travel itinerary. The dense tropical forests of this sanctuary are home to a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. The Chimmony Dam provides picturesque picnic areas frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 39 species of mammals, 192 avian species, 14 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, and 31 species of fish. Some of the large mammals found in this sanctuary include Asian elephants, tiger, gaur, sambar, and wild dog. You can find some red-listed animal species also in this sanctuary like the endemic primates-lion-tailed macaque, the Indian giant squirrel, the slender loris, and the Nilgiri langur.
This wildlife sanctuary is blessed with approximately 192 avian species out of which 5 of them are endemic species of Western Ghats. The grey-headed bulbul, Indian rufous babbler and the white-bellied blue flycatcher are among them. You can also spot Malabar trogon, Malabar whistling thrush, Ceylon frogmouth, Loten’s sunbird, and Indian edible-nest swiftlet. Recent surveys recorded the presence of the lesser fish eagle (Ichthyophaga humilis) also in Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which was known only from the foothills of the Himalayas until recently.
Presence Of Tribal Community
The tribal community belongs to the ‘Malaya” tribe lived within the limits of the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary. This community comprises nearly 210 members from 52 families. They live in two colonies near this sanctuary. The government has formed an eco-development committee for the advancement of this community in October 2002. This committee could initiate several eco-tourism projects based on this tribal community which are progressing successfully.
How To Visit Getting Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Visitors can enjoy activities like trekking and bamboo rafting in and around this wildlife sanctuary. Echippara is the headquarters of Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary which is nearly 40 kilometers away from Thrissur. Thrissur is the nearest railway station to this picnic spot which is almost at a distance of 30 kilometers. Cochin International Airport is around 58 kilometers from it. Accommodation can be arranged for the visitors at the Inspection Bungalow near the Chimmony Dam.
Location
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary lies 35km from Thrissur. It is spread over 100sq km on the western slopes of the Nelliyampathy hills, with a 10sq km lake in the center. Adjacent are the Peechi-Vazhani and Parambikulam Sanctuaries
Distance
103km NE of Kochi
Route from Kochi
NH47 to Amballoor via Edappally, Angamali and Chalakudy, state roads to Chimmony
Getting Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Rail Nearest Railhead: Thrissur (35KM / 45 Min) connected with daily express trains to Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi.