Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the western slopes of the Nelliyampathy Hills in Thrissur district, Kerala. Established in 1984, it covers about 85 sq km of evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest and joins the Peechi–Vazhani Sanctuary to form a continuous protected area.
At its centre is Chimmini Dam, the largest dam in Thrissur district, built across the Kurumali (Chimmini) river and completed in 1996. Visitors come for forest treks, coracle rides on the reservoir, birdwatching and quiet views of the surrounding hills. Elephants, sambar, gaur and sloth bear live in the sanctuary, which is also home to about 160 bird species.
| From | Distance |
|---|---|
| Thrissur bus stand (town centre) | ≈ 40 km by road |
| Thrissur Railway Station | ≈ 38 km |
| Chalakudy Railway Station | ≈ 35–37 km |
| Amballur KSRTC stand | ≈ 25 km (about 47 min) |
| Cochin International Airport | ≈ 56–62 km |
Thrissur → Amballur → Varandarappilly → Palappilly → Chimmini Dam
Get directions from Thrissur Open location
Coordinates: 10.4389° N, 76.4785° E
Drive from Thrissur via Amballur on the Ernakulam highway, then Varandarappilly and Palappilly to the dam at Echippara, where the sanctuary office sits beside the dam.
The road narrows and passes rubber estates near the end, so avoid driving it after dark. Distances vary by about ±5 km depending on the starting point.
We could not find a published direct KSRTC timetable to Chimmini Dam. Private buses run from Thrissur Vadakke stand and from Amballur, but only a few reach the dam. Traveller reports mention a morning bus from Amballur at about 7:30 AM, with return buses from the dam in the afternoon (last around 4:30 PM). These times are unofficial and may change.
Reliable plan: take a KSRTC or private bus from Thrissur to Amballur on the Ernakulam highway, then continue by local bus or taxi (about 25 km). Confirm timings at the Thrissur KSRTC enquiry desk, 0487 2421150.
KSRTC Budget Tourism runs packages from Thrissur depot (enquiries: 91889 38529), but no Chimmini-specific package is listed. Morning Trip Holidays can arrange a private car, tempo traveller or a full-day package with permits, guide and meals: +91 92888 88850.
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Best time to visit: November to April.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| All days | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Trek tickets | Issued only until early afternoon — arrive by late morning |
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Indian adult | ₹20 |
| Student | ₹15 |
| Foreign national | ₹200 |
| Still camera | ₹75 |
| Video camera | ₹275 |
| Guided trek (min. 3 persons) | about ₹150 per person |
| Forest dormitory | ₹200 per person |
Forest rain can close trails and coracle rides at short notice; the monsoon (June to September) is the wettest.
Carry ID, cash for fees, 2 litres of water, closed shoes, a rain jacket and insect or leech repellent. Mobile signal is weak, so download offline maps.
Some listings show different hours, so confirm with the Peechi Wildlife Division: +91 480 276 6972 / +91 85476 03454.
Compiled from DTPC Thrissur, Kerala Tourism and traveller reports; details may change, so verify before travelling.
