Chimminy Wildlife Sanctuary is located along the Western Ghats in Chalakudy taluk of Thrissur district, Kerala. Established in 1984, it covers about 85.067 square kilometers on the western slopes of Nelliyampathy Hills. Chimminy Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. 

The Sanctuary’s Rich Biodiversity
The sanctuary is a rich in flora and fauna and home to several endemic and endangered species. Visitors can spot elephants, sambars, gaurs (Indian bison), Malabar squirrels, and sloth bears.  It's also home to endangered species like tigers, Asian elephants, and wild dogs, as well as Indian giant squirrels, Nilgiri langurs, and slender lorises. The sanctuary has 25 species of reptiles, 31 species of fishes, 14 species of amphibians and 192 species of birds, including five endemic species of the Western Ghats such as the Grey-headed bulbul, white bellied blue flycatcher and Indian rufous babbler.

Coracle Ride in the Dam Reservoir
Chimminy Dam which is near the Chimminy Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest dam in Thrissur. It is constructed across the Kurumali River, a tributary of the Karuvannur River. Unlike traditional dams with a canal system, water from its reservoir feeds paddy fields through the natural flow of the river.  The dam's proximity to the Chimminy Wildlife Sanctuary enhances its appeal to tourists. Visitors to Chimminy Dam can now enjoy a coracle ride (a ride in a small rounded lightweight boat) in the dam reservoir. The coracle ride offers tourists an opportunity to observe the wildlife in the forest that surrounds the lake.

Trekking and Bird-watching
There are trekking paths for adventurous visitors to explore the sanctuary's forests and hills. Chimminy offers a great trekking experience starting from Virakuthodu, just beyond the check post leading to Choorathala. Along the 5 km trail, you will encounter a variety of butterflies and abundant birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers, especially in November and December. The trek is a guided one and takes about 3 hours to complete.