Chimmini dam- a tranquil retreat in Kerala
Established in the year 1996, Chimmini dam is located in Mukundapuram Taluk in Echippara in the district of Thrissur of Kerala. The dam is built across the Chimoni River which is a tributary of river Karuvannur. This is the largest dam in the district. Surrounded by three wildlife sanctuaries, hills and greeneries, the place is enjoyed by the locals a well as the foreigners. You can visit here during the daytime but there is much to explore in the evening. There is an area that grows medicinal plants which is not so well maintained. The view of the dam is accompanied with cloudy sky above is something that you always search for within the nature. The Chimmini Dam is proffered by tourist mainly of its quite and less crowded surrounding. The nearby Chimmini wildlife sanctuary is contiguous to the Peechi Vazhani Sanctuary and can be explored along with the dam. There you can spot elephants, sambars, sloth bear, barking dears and many other species of birds and insects. The largest butterfly can be spotted here if you are lucky enough.
When to go
The dam is opened all around the year and the locals find it a suitable place to spend the weekends. Monsoon and winter are ideal for visiting the dam but if you are eager to explore the forests too then land there in the winter season. Tourists from far places can go there as an additional spot if a tranquil place is a demand. The best time visit for everybody is from November to April.
Things to do
Bamboo rafting- there are arrangements made by the department for bamboo rafting and you can do it for innovating a new experience. The rafting trip extends from two hours to full day trip. If you can manage to do bamboo rafting on a full moon night which is called ‘Moonlight sonata’ then you can enjoy golden moments of your life.
Walking- there is a garden beside the dam and lots of spaces are there where you can stroll around and pass wonderful moments with your favourite person.
Trekking- the adjoining Chimmini wildlife sanctuary offers chance for trekking but could be done only with the permission of the forest department. It is recommended not to go deep into the forest and return before evening. But having a nice and thrilling experience in the jungle is assured for the adventurous people.
Camping- this is another option for adventurous soul who want to stay there for a night and experience camping in the jungle. At any time visit the dam and forest region and at night enjoy the campfire and listen to the silence of the place.
A day picnic- the native people find this place a great one to enjoy a picnic, especially in the winter months. Due to its vast locality, the place is suitable for spending picnic moments with your family and friends.
How to reach
Thrissur railway station is the nearest station and from there buses are available that would take you almost nearby the dam. Thrissur bus stand and Amballur bus stand are the nearest bus stoppages from where autos are available to the place. However most of the people use their private cars to reach the Chimmini Dam. You can also reach there from Kochi which will take just a driving of two hours.
Where to stay
There are options for a night stay presently as the forest department has modified it as a tourist destination. Students can enjoy this place as nature club and there are also arrangements for the campfire. There are nice hotels on the way to the dam, you may buy food from there or else a few stalls could be found near the dam, but those are not suitable for meals. The closest place to stay near the dam is the Inspection Bungalow and there are also many homes stays in the nearby Amballur village which is just 12kms from the dam. The bungalow has options for dormitory stay which is just 80 INR per bed with a total of forty beds. And there are 3 rooms that cost 600 INR per room.
More info: guidetour.in
Chimmini dam
