National park · India
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Visit Chimmony for a day hike (2–3 h) to the Pindi Mudi viewpoint for under ₹100 entry, or a longer trek to Ponmudi peak (4–5 h) in the cool season; avoid monsoon (Jun‑Sep).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
85 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (85 km²)
approximate
Established
1984
Best months
Jan–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
At a glance
- Country
- India
- Area
- 85 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (85 km²)
- Approximate total area 85.067 km² including Chimmony Lake; figures may vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1984
- Best months
- Jan–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Thrissur
Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala’s Western Ghats protects steep mountain ridges, evergreen forests and a rich mix of mammals and over 190 bird species, offering short viewpoint hikes and longer treks within a biodiversity hotspot.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national sitePart of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
Size and age
85 km² (33 sq mi)33 sq mi (85 km²) · national park since 1984
Approximate total area 85.067 km² including Chimmony Lake; figures may vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Thrissur.
Why go
- Large variety of mammals including tiger, leopard and sloth bear.
- Over 190 bird species recorded, making it an Important Bird Area.
- Steep mountain ridges with peaks over 1100 m and dense evergreen forest.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry, trails clear.
- FebCool, dry.
- MarWarm, low rain.
- AprWarm, occasional showers.
- MayRising heat, early monsoon.
- JunMonsoon begins, trails slippery.
- JulHeavy rain, landslides possible.
- AugPeak monsoon.
- SepRain recedes, trails still wet.
- OctPost‑monsoon, cooler.
- NovDry, pleasant.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mammals (tiger, leopard, sloth bear, dhole, elephant)Oct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (Malabar Grey Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Crested Serpent Eagle)Oct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Cochin International Airport (COK)
Taxi or bus 60 km (37 mi) to the sanctuary gate via NH 544.Taxi or bus 37 mi (60 km) to the sanctuary gate via NH 544.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Thrissur town
Local bus or taxi 36 km (22 mi) north to the gate.Local bus or taxi 22 mi (36 km) north to the gate.
45 min–1 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate & visitor centre | Ticket office, information desk, short forest loop. | Open daily, entry required. |
| Pindi Mudi trailhead | Steep climb to 1116 m viewpoint. | Open with entry ticket; moderate fitness. |
| Ponmudi ridge | Longer trek across mixed forest to 928 m peak. | Guided only during monsoon season (check). |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, centred on Chimmony Lake.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry ticket | INR 50–100 (≈ US$1–2) | person | Check current rate at gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Sanctuary entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for Ponmudi ridge trek.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside the sanctuary; stay in nearby resorts.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use designated cooking areas only.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
- Pets
- Not allowed.
Where to stay
Near the park
Misty Valley Hill Resort
Forest‑edge rooms, restaurant, camp‑fire area.
Near the park
Local homestays in Nelliyampathy
Basic rooms, meals, support local families.
Safety
Slippery rocks during monsoon high
Wild animal encounters medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre reachable by car; short loop is wheelchair‑inaccessible due to steps.
Visiting lightly
- Buy food and services from nearby villages.
- Leave no trace; use refillable water bottles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
Entry is ₹50–₹100 per adult; children often free. Check the latest rate at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Pindi Mudi viewpoint (2–3 h, moderate) and the longer Ponmudi ridge trek (4–5 h, hard) are the main routes.
When is the best time to visit Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary?
October to March offers dry, cool conditions; avoid June‑September monsoon.
Are guides required for any trails?
A guide is mandatory for the Ponmudi ridge trek; the short Pindi Mudi loop can be done solo.
Can I camp inside the sanctuary?
Camping is not permitted; stay in nearby resorts or homestays.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
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