Established in the year 1984, the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a hub of several endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna. It is situated in the Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur district of Kerala and lies across the River Chimmony which is a tributary of the Karuvannur River.

The Southern Western Ghats that surrounds the sanctuary enhances the pristine beauty of the place. The place was once covered with rubber plantations which are now replaced by dense tropical rainforests. More than half of the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is occupied by moist deciduous forests while the tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest covers take up the rest of it, providing a natural and comfortable habitat for wild animals, birds and butterflies. Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a wonderful place for spotting a variety of butterflies.

Speciality

• The Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is one among the 25 bio-diversity hotspots on earth.
• The Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary lies adjacent to the beautiful Peechi - Vazhani sanctuary and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is placed at a height of 1116m above the sea level.
• Punda Peak forms the highest point of the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Southern Birdwing which is the largest butterfly in India and the rare Atlas Moth which is world’s largest moth can be seen in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a mix of tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, and moist deciduous forests. This sanctuary is a visual retreat with a lot of flowering plants and orchids.

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 192 avian species, 100 species of butterflies, 31 species of fishes, 39 species of animals, 25 species of reptiles, and 14 species of Amphibians. Asian elephant, Tiger, Nilgiri langur, Indian giant squirrel, slender loris and wild dogs are the wild inhabitants of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. Indian Rufous Babbler, Grey Headed Bulbul, Lesser Fish Eagle, White Bellied Blue Flycatcher, etc are the lovely bird species found here.

Nearest Tourist Places

• Chimmony Dam : The Chimmony Dam is considered as the largest dam in Thrissur district and is a favourite tourist sport teeming with recreational activities like trekking and boating.
• Ilanjippara Waterfalls : Placed in the middle of thick jungle, the Ilanjippara is an awesome waterfall that captures your eyes and an ideal spot to trek for beginners.
• Mangalam Dam : Mangalam Dam is an alluring calm and pleasant location that pampers you with the love of nature.

Activities

Best time to visit

September to March.

Way to Reach

 By Air - Kochi International Airport is the nearest airport to Chimmony wildlife sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 54.5 Km.

 By Rail - Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Chimmony wildlife sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 38.7 Km.

 By Road -  Thrissur Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Chimmony wildlife sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 38.1 Km.

FAQs:

What types of forests are found in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?

The sanctuary is dominated by moist deciduous forests, which cover more than half of the area. The rest of the sanctuary is made up of tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife.

What is the significance of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as one of the world's 25 biodiversity hotspots, home to a wide range of endemic and endangered species. It also shares its boundaries with Peechi-Vazhani Sanctuary and Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Are there trekking opportunities in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, trekking is a popular activity in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can explore various trekking trails, including those leading to Punda Peak, the highest point in the sanctuary. The scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife make trekking a thrilling adventure.

Which rare butterfly species can be spotted in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse butterfly population. Visitors can spot the Southern Birdwing, the largest butterfly in India, and the Atlas Moth, the world's largest moth, among other butterfly species.

Are guided tours available at Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, guided tours are available for visitors. These tours provide insights into the rich biodiversity of the sanctuary and enhance the overall experience by offering opportunities to learn about its flora and fauna.

Is Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary a good destination for nature lovers?

Yes, Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a perfect destination for nature lovers. Its lush greenery, rich wildlife, and scenic trekking trails offer a peaceful and immersive experience in the heart of nature.

What makes Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary a biodiversity hotspot?

Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot due to its rich variety of endemic and endangered species. The combination of moist deciduous, tropical evergreen, and semi-evergreen forests creates a thriving habitat for diverse wildlife, birds, butterflies, and plant species.