Key Highlights
- Spanning 85.067 km², the sanctuary is a lush enclave within the Western Ghats.
- Established in 1984, it sits on the western slopes of the Nelliyampathi Hills, with Punda Peak rising to 116 m.
- It shares a contiguous forest corridor with Peechi‑Vazhani and Parambikulam sanctuaries, forming a 210 km² protected zone.
- Two rivers—Kurumali and Mupliam—converge here, and the Chimmony Dam on the Chimmini River is a popular visitor landmark.
Detailed Insights
The sanctuary’s terrain is a mosaic of evergreen forests, grasslands, and water bodies that support a diverse array of fauna and flora. Birdwatchers frequent the area for its rich avifauna, while trekkers explore well‑maintained trails that wind through dense foliage and open clearings. The Chimmony Dam, constructed across the Chimmini River, not only regulates water flow but also creates a serene lake that attracts both wildlife and tourists. The main administrative hub is located in Echippora, roughly 40 km from Thrissur city, and visitors can stay overnight at the Inspection Bungalow adjacent to the dam.
Connectivity with neighboring sanctuaries facilitates genetic exchange among wildlife populations, enhancing ecological resilience. The sanctuary’s management focuses on habitat preservation, anti‑poaching measures, and community engagement to sustain its natural heritage.
Key Concepts
- Western Ghats – A mountain range along India’s western coast, recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.
- Protected Corridor – A continuous stretch of habitat that allows wildlife to move freely between separate reserves.
- Chimmony Dam – A hydro‑engineering structure on the Chimmini River that creates a lake used for recreation and irrigation.
- Avifauna – The collective term for bird species inhabiting a particular region.