Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the western valley of Nelliampathy in the Mukundapuram taluk, the Thrissur district of Kerala. Some part of this sanctuary is located near the Peechi – Vazhani sanctuary and the rest of the part is located near the Parambikulam sanctuary. An artificial lake has been formed here by the dam across the Chimmini River. The Chimmini Wildlife sanctuary was established in 1984 and occupies the watershed areas of the Kunumali and Mupliyam rivers and is encircled by the hills. This wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 75 square km and the lake covers an area of 10 square km. The vegetation here comprises of the evergreen forests, semi evergreen forests and the leaf shedding trees. The highest point, the Punda peak (1116 m) is located on the eastern side of the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also various trekking trail paths up the rocks and into the forests of the sanctuary.

 

Wildlife attractions in the Chimmini Wildlife SanctuarySome of the wildlife animals found in the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary are Leopard, elephant, bear, wild pig, wild bison, tiger etc.

Vegetation in Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
Palai, Punna, Vediplavu, Kalpine, Anjili, White Pine, Thampakom, White Akil, Pathri, Nedunar are the evergreen forests found in the upper part and trees like Vetti, Thetti, Kara, Narakom, Marotti, Cheru, Mullilavu, etc. are found in the lower parts. Manja Kadambu, Ayani, Elavu, Pongu, White teak, Manimaruthu, Kanakkaitha, Vakkaplavu are some of the semi-evergreen forests found in the Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary.

Some interesting facts:

Latitude and Longitude: 10 degree 22' - 10 degree 26' North and 76 degree 31' - 76 degree 37' East
Area: 75 square kms.
Altitude: 40 m - 1116 m above sea level.
Rainfall: 2980 mm
Tourist season: December to April
Temperature: 24 to 36 Degree Celsius in summers and upto 15 Degree Celsius in winters

How to reach Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Kochi (Cochin) which is about 50 kms.

By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located at Thrissur, about 35 kms.

By Road:
This wildlife sanctuary can be easily reached by Amballoor (12 km), located on the Ernakulam – Thrissur road.