In this fast-paced world, there is no refuge like nature itself. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Thrissur District of Kerala, provides just that. Just 40 km from Thrissur town, this natural retreat is home to 39 species of animals, 25 species of reptiles, 31 species of fishes, 14 species of amphibians, a variety of 200 avian species, and more than 160 bird species. Be it the wide lake, exotic vegetation or a wide range of wildlife, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses all. Read on to know all about the Sanctuary.
Essential Information About Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
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Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, is a panoramic and ecologically protected area in the Western Ghats, near the Thrissur district of Kerala. Established in 1984, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists visit it for its biodiversity and lush green landscapes. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is pleasant, and there are multiple opportunities to spot wildlife.
With the ethereal beauty and sanctity the place provides, one can never sit idle in this hub of nature itself. Different forms of wildlife, such as Asian elephants, tigers, Indian giant squirrels and Nilgiri Langur, are found here. The Sanctuary prides itself in being a haven for birds and bird watchers. You can spot grey-headed Bulbul, Indian Rufous Babbler, white-bellied blue Flycatcher and five endemic bird species of Western Ghats.
It is also home to several endemic and endangered species. The sanctuary promotes ecotourism and runs campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness about nature conservation. Chimmony Dam, nestled in the middle of the sanctuary, adds to its picturesque beauty. It also provides visitors with recreational activities like bamboo rafting, trekking, butterfly safari, and bird watching.
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Things To Do In Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Several activities in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary are sure to make your trip to Kerala even more memorable:
1. Trekking
Image Credit: Manoj K for Wikimedia Commons
The untouched beauty of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is best explored with a trail into the deciduous woods, with streams adorning its path, accompanied by the chorus of the endangered species of birds and lastly, with beautiful butterflies carving out the path. The authorities of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary ensure the visitors experience all of it by providing a trek headed by a tribal guide into the woods and a night stay at Annaporu with the refreshing sound of the stream and food.
Along the trek, you will witness the wide variety of birds on the branches of the lush green deciduous trees, camouflaging with the eternal beauty of the place. Depending upon the package, these trek expeditions are organized in and around the sanctuary. One-day tours dive deep into the forest, letting you witness the wonders this lush green forest holds, while half-day or three-hour tours let you go around the forest, covering the main attractions of the arena.
Charges: Rs 600 for three persons
Timings: 8:00 am to 1:30 pm
2. Boating
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Located on the slopes of the majestic Western Ghats, Chimmony Dam is an exquisite beauty. Boating here, looking at the Western Ghats, is an absolute privilege. The authorities of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary provide this 20-minute privilege on a unique bowl-shaped boat, locally called Kuttavanchi Safari, Coracle Rides or Turtle Rides. One can enhance this ethereal experience even more with bamboo rafting provided by the authorities on this serene lake near the village of Ethipala in the Trichur District.
One can also stroll around the Chimmony Dam, admiring the lake’s beauty, with the Western Ghats guarding and resonating with it. The stroll around the dam lets you witness the place’s different biodiversity, along with the butterflies accompanying you.
Charges: Rs 400 for four persons
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
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3. Cycle Safari
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Cycling through the diversity of nature is a privilege not everyone can resist. Cycling through the diverse flora and fauna of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is an experience that stays with you for life, and the authorities ensure that you have a heart-engraving experience by providing a guided cycle tour throughout the forest.
Along the ride, you might be fortunate enough to spot the Southern Birdwing, India’s most giant butterfly, or the Blue Mormon, the second largest in the Western Ghats. Whether you can spot these unique beauties or not, you are sure to capture some enchanted birds with the freshness of the forest and the sound of streams accompanying you all along. With a cycle by your side, you can always explore more.
Charges: Rs 200 per person
Timing: 8 am to 3:30 pm
4. Bird Watching and Butterfly Safari
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Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary houses a great variety of birds and butterflies. Therefore, the authorities of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary organize a guided bird-watching and Butterfly Safari for all the bird watchers and nature lovers to get acquainted with the most prominent species of birds and butterflies.
In the migratory season, the place is a haven for bird watchers with migratory birds worldwide. Along the tour, one can watch the Greenish Lang warbler, Yellow-browed Bulbul, Malabar Whistling Thrush and Racket Tailed Drongo. Apart from various species of birds, the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to a beautiful collection of Butterflies with 100 species in the area, and the guided Butterfly Safari lets you witness just that.
Charges: Rs 150 per person
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
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Places To Visit Near Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
From the mesmerisingly beautiful Athirapally Waterfalls to the Nelliyampathy Hills. Here are some breathtaking places to visit near Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. Athirapally Waterfalls
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Just 21 km from Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is the Athirapally Waterfalls, popularly known as the Niagara Falls Of India; this waterfall stands at a height of 80 feet and spans around an area of 330 feet. The majestic falls, accompanied by the lush green evergreen forest, is a definition of exquisite beauty with a dreamy location and stream flowing just below the falls.
The place also offers birdwatching, scenic views, and a trail that allows you to explore the site even more. This waterfall, originating from the highest reaches of the Western Ghats, prides itself on being the largest waterfall in Kerala.
Entry fees: Rs 30 per person
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
2. Pothundy Dam
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Constructed in the 19th century, the Pothundy irrigation dam is one of India’s oldest dams. It is unique in its construction as this dam was built without using the cement mix, with only stones and lime to make this architectural marvel.
Apart from being a popular tourist spot with its scenic location, this dam significantly irrigates the region’s fields, enhancing its importance even more. The dam and the panoramic views of the lush green landscape also offer boating to visitors, with popular picnic spots nearby.
Entry fees: Rs 20 per person
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
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3. Vazhachal Falls
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Located just 17 km from the Wildlife Sanctuary, the cascading Vazhachal Falls is unmatched, with lush green forest highlighting it even more. With its proximity to the Athirapally waterfalls, the place can fit just right into your itinerary.
The main feature of this one-of-a-kind waterfall, originating in the Western Ghats on the Chalakudy River, is its vicinity to the Sholayar Ranges. Though the waterfall is visible from the main road, the view from the garden adjacent to the waterfalls is better, providing an empty place to sit and relax in the greenery of Kerala.
Entry fees: Rs 30 per person
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
4. Nelliyampathy Hills
Image Credit: Shino Jacob Koottanad for Wikimedia Commons
There is nothing compared to the scenic view from the mountains, and you can enjoy it too on your trip to Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. Located just 28 km from the Wildlife Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy Hill Station, popularly known as ‘Poor Man’s Ooty’, is near Palakkad in Kerala.
In the mountains, the journey always matters more than the actual viewpoint, mainly due to its diversity in landscapes, terrains and exhilarating news. And that is what the trip to Nelliyampathy Hills is, from tea and coffee plantations to vast dams and breathtaking waterfalls. This cluster of ridges encompasses all of these, giving you a proper experience of a calm and serene hill station.
Fees: No Entry Fee
Timings: Open 24 hours
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Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is alive with lush green forest, vast flora and fauna, and ethereal waterfalls. With all the recreational activities and vast arena to explore, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is your sign to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Kerala. All you need to do is book your trip to Kerala.
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Cover Image credit: By Manoj K for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Which animals are protected in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary houses a wide range of animals. However, the most prominent among them are Tiger, Asian Elephant, Nilgiri Langur, and Indian Giant Squirrel.
How to reach Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is 40 km from Thrissur town. You can reach Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary by Amballur Junction located on NH-47.
Which river flows in the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
Kurumali and Mupliyam river flows in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary consists of its watershed areas. The dam is constructed across the Kurumali River, a tributary of the Karuvannur river.
Do tribal communities live in the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, tribal communities reside in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to indigenous tribes who have lived in the forest for generations, such as the Malayarayan Tribe and Muthuvan Tribe.
Which district is Chimmony Dam located?
Chimmony dam is located in Thrissur District in Kerala. The dam is a significant feature of the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary and a main water source. Its picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for tourists.
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