Chimmini Wildlife sanctuary is a protected area located along the Western Ghats in Chalakudy taluk of Thrissur District of Kerala state in India. Established in 1984, the sanctuary with an area of about 85.067 km2 is on the Western slopes of the Nelliyampathi Hills. The highest peak in sanctuary is Punda peak (1116 m). Along with the neighboring Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary it forms a continuous protected area of 210 km2. It also lies just west of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, providing some habitat connectivity with the forests of that relatively large protected area. The sanctuary consists of the watershed areas of Kurumali River and Mupliam rivers. Nestled in the sanctuary is Chimmini Dam which is built across the Chimmini river.
Chimmini is not explored much. Not many people know about the pristine beauty of Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary. The climate here is very nice. From December to April the climate is warm and from May to November its cool. Highest temperature during March and April goes up to 24 to 30 degree Celsius. Monsoon is during the month of June and July. During cold the temperature decreases up to 15 degrees. There is an artificial Dam in here. The place has evergreen, semi evergreen and leaf shedding forests. Best time to visit is from September to March.
Chimmini Dam
Nestled in the wonderful sanctuary is the Chimmini dam. The dam is constructed at Echippara across Chimmini river. Peechi Dam and Mangalam Dam surrounds the place.One speciality about this dam is the absence of canal system. Here the water impounded in the reservoir will be made available to the Kole land fields through the river and existing canal system by means of regulator. The dam also provides water to different regions of the district connected with Kurumali river.Eco tourism offers so many interesting options like Bamboo Rafting, birding trail, butterfly safari, nature walk for children, Jungle craft and animal tracking, moonlight sonata, nature trail, orchid trail and night stay at forest. All these activities brings us close to nature.
Flora & Fauna at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
The sanctuary is a rich with various flora and fauna. Chimmini Sanctuary is popular for the number of large mammals. Tiger, Asian elephant and wild dogs are common here. Also there are so many other species like Indian giant squirrel, Nilgiri langur and slender loris.
The sanctuary also houses 192 avian species. Five of the endemic bird species of Western Ghats is found here. One can see Grey headed bulbul, Indian rufous babbler and white bellied blue flycatcher. There are 39 species of animals 25 species of reptiles, 31 species of fishes, 14 species of Amphibians and 160 species of birds. All major species of fauna of peninsular India are found in the sanctuary. One can find deer, wolves also . The sanctuary offers wonderful opportunity for trekking. The sanctuary offers trekking paths for the adventure traveler. There are tribal communities within the range of the sanctuary. The main tribal community being The Malaya community. They have an important role in preserving the wildlife of the sanctuary. Tribal based eco tourism project is progressing well in the region.
Trekking from Virakuthodu to Choorathal
Chimmini offers one of the most beautiful trekking trails in the region. The trek that starts from Virakuthodu, one kilometer ahead from the check post will take you to Choorathala. On the way, you can see numerous butterflies and the place is rich in avian life. The trek will etch deep memories in your mind. This is a 5 km trek and a guide will accompany you and will last for 3 hours. Birdwatchers are welcomed here in November and December to explore the rich avian life of Chimmini.
Anaporu Overnight Stay
An interior forest camping programme at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is the Anaporu package. This package includes boating in the reservoirs and trekking to the interior forests of Chimmini. Food is also included in the package.
Visit this sanctuary and find yourself in the heart of nature!!
