Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary: A Guide to Exploring Its Flora, Fauna

Enjoy the calmness of Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district, Kerala. It is a haven for those who love nature and wildlife, and it has breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and an outstanding variety of living things. Extending over emerald landscapes containing beautiful dams such as Peechi Dam and Vazhani Dam, it is perfect for trekking, bird watching, or just lazing around. For a visual treat, you can explore peechi wildlife sanctuary photos to get a glimpse of its scenic beauty. The sanctuary hosts many rare and endangered species.

Quick Details About Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Elevation: 150 ft – 3028 ft
Where To Stay: Thrissur, Peechi, Vazhani, and nearby homestays
Where To Eat: Restaurants in Thrissur city
Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price: ₹20
Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary Address: Chimmini Dam Road, Pariyaram, Kerala 680304
Best Time To Visit Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary: October to March
Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary Activities: Hiking, walking, and boating

Location

Peechi Dam area with its vast reservoir, surrounded by greenery and distant hills.

Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons

Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thrissur district of Kerala. Both road and rail can reach here; the Kerala Forest Department manages it, and it lies about 23 km from the central city of Thrissur.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Thrissur For A Memorable Vacation

How To Reach Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Aerial view of Thrissur City, highlighting its bustling streets and vibrant culture.

Photo: Jpullokaran / Wikimedia Commons

By Road: The sanctuary is about 23 kilometres from Thrissur city and can be reached by road. It will take approximately 45 minutes for one to drive or go by taxi from the city of Thrissur to the sanctuary.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Thrissur Railway Station, which offers well-connected train services to major cities in India. A person can hire a taxi or bus from the railway station to travel there.

Things To Do In Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

From elephant spotting and Malabar hornbill sightings to trekking through its panoramic trails, here are some of the things you could do at Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. Wildlife Safari

Travellers birdwatching and enjoying wildlife safari - Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Alex Proimos / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for people who are interested in watching wild animals. Elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, and others can be found there. Birdwatchers will enjoy observing Malabar hornbills, grey-headed fishing eagles, and other fantastic bird species. Besides, many reptiles, as well as amphibians, also live there.

Suggested Read: Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary

2. Trekking

Travellers birdwatching and enjoying wildlife safari - Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Photo: Kampus Production / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The lush green trails and scenic landscapes make it an excellent place for trekking within the sanctuary. One popular trek is up to Vazhani Dam, where one gets breathtaking views of reservoirs and surrounding forests. At the same time, another leads up towards Peechi Dam, which offers panoramic views over the entire area of sanctuaries.

Places To Visit Around Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

From peaceful waters, cultural sites, and events, these are some places you can visit around the sanctuary:

1. Peechi Dam

Peechi Dam with a serene reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views.

Photo: Shijan Kakkara / Wikimedia Commons

Peechi Dam is located within the sanctuary and is a popular place for picnics and boating. The dam affords mind-blowing views of the reservoir and the nearby hills. In addition, visitors can also take boat rides on the reservoir or just wander through the dam’s beautiful surrounding greenery.

Things To Do: Boating, Picnicking

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala In August For A Refreshing Getaway

2. Vazhani Dam

Vazhani Reservoir's calm waters with surrounding greenery - near Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo: Arayilpdas / Wikimedia Commons

Another attractive reservoir within the sanctuary is Vazhani Dam, best known for its calm atmosphere and scenic beauty. It is perfect for quiet walks in nature and bird watching. Moreover, this dam also has an irrigation system that benefits neighbouring areas.

Things To Do: Nature walks, Birdwatching

3. Thrissur Zoo and Museum

Entry gate of Thrissur Zoo & Museum - best places to visit near Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons

Thrissur Zoo and Museum, which is about 23 km from the sanctuary, is a famous place of interest. Whereas the museum displays relics of sculptures, portraits, and paintings representing Kerala’s traditional heritage, the zoo houses many reptiles, birds, and animals.

Things To Do: Exploring wildlife, learning about Kerala’s history and culture

Suggested Read: Trivandrum Museum And Zoo

4. Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly waterfalls - one of the best places to visit near Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo: Pranchiyettan / Wikimedia Commons

Athirappilly Waterfalls is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, located about 60 km from the sanctuary. This majestic waterfall is surrounded by thick forests, which gives it an exhilarating view. Visitors to this scenic spot can embark on hikes and take photographs or have fun at picnics.

Things To Do: Trekking, photography, Picnicking

5. Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary

Dense forest and tranquil reservoir at Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, ideal for nature walks.

Photo: Manojk / Wikimedia Commons

The Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, which is near Thrissur in Kerala, has been a wildlife hotspot since 1984. Wildlife like elephants, tigers, Nilgiri langurs, and more than 190 kinds of birds live there. The forests are both tropical evergreen and deciduous. In its lush surroundings, people like to go trekking, boating on Chimmini Dam, bird watching, and butterfly safaris.

Things To Do: Trekking, bird watching, and boating amidst lush tropical forests

Suggested Read: Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary

6. Bible Tower, Thrissur

Tall and iconic Bible Tower in Thrissur offering panoramic views and Christian artwork.

Photo: Arjuncm3 / Wikimedia Commons

In Thrissur, the Bible Tower is a unique and well-known symbol. People can climb to the top to get a wide view of Thrissur and the area around it. The tower is an important piece of architecture and culture in the city. It is part of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church.

Things To Do: Panoramic views of Thrissur city, and explore biblical murals

7. Paramekkavu Temple

Vibrant facade and traditional architecture of Paramekkavu Temple, famous for Pooram festival.

Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons

The Paramekkavu Temple in Thrissur is a well-known Hindu temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is famous for its lively events, especially the Thrissur Pooram, which brings in a lot of people with its beautiful processions, traditional music, and fireworks. The temple is an important place of worship and culture in the area.

Things To Do: Vibrant cultural festivals

Suggested Read: Ameda Temple

8. Shakthan Thampuran Palace

An image of the heritage interiors and garden views of Shakthan Thampuran Palace in Thrissur.

Photo: KannanVM / Wikimedia Commons

The Shakthan Thampuran Palace in Thrissur used to be a royal home but is now a museum. It has beautiful architecture and royal artefacts like portraits, weapons, and antiques that show the history of the area’s masters. People can learn a lot about Kerala’s history and culture by visiting the palace.

Things To Do: Royal artefacts and traditional Kerala architecture

9. Kozhukkully View Point

View of scenic hills and lush greenery from Kozhukkully View Point, a quiet nature escape.

Photo: Ravisankar S / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Kozhukkully Viewpoint offers peaceful nature views close to Peechi. Overlooking lush woods, hills, and valleys, it’s a great place for photography, nature walks, and quiet relaxation away from the noise and chaos of cities.

Things To Do: Scenic views of hills, valleys, and forests

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Malappuram For A Remarkable Experience Amidst Nature’s Lap

Factors to consider

Man trekking in jungle with a bag pack things for trekking - Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Photo: Katya Wolf / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Average Cost of The Trip: The entry fee cost for adults is ₹20 and for children ₹10. However, there could be hikes in costs if tourists choose to involve themselves in extra activities such as boating or visiting other tourist sites around.

Tips For Travellers

  • Take comfortable clothes and shoes for trekking.
  • Have water and snacks since there are few eateries in the sanctuary.
  • Take/put on sunglasses, put on sunscreen, and wear a hat to keep the sun at bay.
  • Keep insect repellent with you to ward off bug’ bites.
  • The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the early morning hours from October through March.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur For A Fun Filled Vacation

Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary is a place to refresh your mind and body in the lap of nature’s bosom with its rich tapestry of fauna and flora. Here, you can engage in hiking, bird watching, picnicking, or visiting dams in Peechi and Vazhani. This sanctuary guarantees an experience that will linger for all who love nature because of its calm environment plus the richness of natural resources therein. Book your trip to this magical place today with TripXL and make memories that last forever.

Cover Photo: Vincent van Zalinge / Unsplash.com / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a local guide will go a long way in giving you more knowledge on plant and animal species as well as the history of the park.
The sanctuary is rich with different types of plants, including unique orchids and rare medicinal herbs. There is also widespread endemism among trees and shrubs, constituting its biodiversity.
The sanctuary sometimes caters to volunteer programs and conservation activities that enable visitors to participate in habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and educational outreach initiatives.
Professional photography and videography may need special permission from the Kerala Forest Department.
These community-based cultural tourism initiatives offer traditional cuisine classes, crafts workshops, and guided cultural excursions. These promote local communities while providing tourists with chances to experience the local lifestyle, customs, and food eaten in homestays.
The Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary is in the district of Thrissur in Kerala, India. The sanctuary has been around since 1958, making it one of the oldest in Kerala.
The Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary includes the Peechi Dam, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and wide views of the reservoir and hills in the area. It's a popular place for picnics and has places to launch boats.
There are more than 25 kinds of mammals living in the Peechi forest. These include elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, barking deer, sambar deer, spotted deer, gaur (Indian bison), foxes, and elk.

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