One day Chimmini Trek, Thrissur

It was almost an year since I went for a trek.  So, when I was free for a day, I planned a trek to  Chimmini Forest.

At 6.30 a.m. we boarded the van from Kochi. When each one of us boarded from different locations, some of them tried to greet others and introduced themself. It was drizzling outside which made our travel more enjoyable on the Ernakulam-Thrissur National Highway. After Amballur, we diverted to Palapilly Road. I craned my neck out of the Van to get a closer look at the rubber trees on both sides of the road.

We reached Chimminy check post at around 9'o clock. Entry ticket is Rs.20/- per person.

Chimminy Wildlife Sanctuary Sanctuary  is situated in Thrissur District and is close to Nelliampathy and shares a part of it with Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary and Parambikulam Sanctuary.

After breakfast, we started our trek. Two forest officials also accompanied us. This is a 5 km trek which can be covered within 3 hours. It was indeed a beautiful experience, walking with a 19-member enthusiastic and energetic team.

We had frequent stops for photography and rest. The sanctuary in itself was picturesque with a variety of flora and fauna along the way.

After few kilometers of trek, we reached Choorathala. Since monsoon is yet to arrive, there were no waterfalls, which disappointed us. But we managed to overcome that with some entertainment which lasted for around half an hour.

After few kilometers from Choorathala, we came out of the forest. We could see the reservoir of Chimmini Dam and mountains and forests around it. We walked through the reservoir area and reached starting point of the trek. Dormitory facility is available near Forest office.

After lunch and rest for some time, it was time to coracle ride popularly known as Kottavanji ride, in the dam reservoir. Since this is an Ecotourism Centre, there was a heavy rush of   tourists. A 20-minute ride for four persons cost Rs.400/-. 

We, four persons each in a coracle, started our ride in 30 ft deep water with life jackets. It was a beautiful experience with coracle ride in the dam reservoir, enjoying the backdrop of majestic hills and nature all around.

It was indeed a beautiful day with trek, coracle ride, photography sessions and songs. Million thanks to the team who made the trip a memorable one.

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