Chimmini

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.

Accessing Chimmini

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