CHIMMINI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY | SOUTH INDIA TOURISM | ECOTOURISM IN KERALA | KERALA TOURISM

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1984, is situated at the Mukundapuram taluk of Thrissur district. The headquarters of this sanctuary is at Echippara which is 28 kms away from Amballoor village in the north direction. Amballoor is 12 kms away from Thrissur town. A dam was constructed across the Chimmini river at 75m, above the sea level. Due to this, a large section of forest was cleared during 1976-83 period. This sanctuary, consisting of the watershed areas of Kunumali and Mupliyam rivers, is encircled by hills.This area was dense forest 200 years ago. Local chieftains who were having control and ownership over the forest and the timber merchants had been plundering this forest. Though scientific felling and implementation of forest laws had been introduced, depletion of forest resource could not be supplanted. However, present protective measures show the signs of improvement. 
          A part of the Chimmini wildlife sanctuary lies adjacent to the Peechi-Vazhani wildlife sanctuary and the other part to Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary. All kinds of flora found in rain forest are seen here.The altitude of Chimmini dam area varies from 40m to 1110m to the eastern direction. Punda peak which is situated at the eastern side of the sanctuary has an altitude of 1116m. Chimmini wildlife sanctuary lies between the longitude 10° 22' to 10° 26' and latitude 76° 31' - 76° 37' at the western valley of Nelliyampathi.        Spanning an area of 85 sq km on the western slopes of Nelliyampathy, the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is just a two-hour drive from Kochi in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur, the Sanctuary provides an exhilarating experience for nature enthusiasts. Established in 1984, a section of Chimmini lies adjacent to the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and the other part is next to Parambikulam Sanctuary. Dense forests dotted with streams and rivers enhance the innumerable trekking trails along the Sanctuary. Encompassing a mixture of tropical evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests, the lush surroundings provide an ideal habitat for flowering plants, birds, butterflies and wildlife.

Ecotourism Activities
         Trekking and camping in the wilderness of Chimmini present a prize bonanza for the avid bird and butterfly watchers. With more than 160 species, the avian life here is spectacular and the lucky ones might just spot the Southern Birdwing, India's largest butterfly or the Blue Mormon, the second largest butterfly in the Western Ghats. The Atlas Moth, the largest in the world is also spotted here along with other common varieties like the mormon, tiger, sailor and crimson rose. Many animals including rare species like the lion tailed macaque can also be seen here.

Trekking Trails - Trekking expeditions are organized by the Forest Department in and around the Sanctuary. Half day or three-hour treks cover the outer rings of the Sanctuary while one-day trips take tourists deep into the forests.

Bamboo Rafting - The riverside can be explored through bamboo rafting trips which extend from two hours to a full day. But the high point of all expeditions is the Moonlight Sonata that involves rafting on full moon nights.

Accommodation
     Inspection Bungalow near the dam is the closest stay option. Amballoor which is just 12 km away has several hotels.
Location: In Varandarapilly Village in Mukundapuram.
Altitude: Ranges from 40 m at the dam site to 1,116 m above sea level. The highest point is Punda Peak on the eastern side.
Distance
Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 50 km away.
Rail: Nearest railhead is at Thrissur, 37 km away.
Road: Only 25 km from Amballur junction on the Kochi-Thrissur NH-47 route.

For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Peechi, Ph: 0487-269 9017
District Tourist Promotion Council Office, Thrissur, Ph: 0487-2320800