Kerala Picnic Spot

The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, the second oldest sanctuary in Kerala is situated in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams of Thrissur district and is a good spot for nature lovers. Established in 1958, with headquartered in Peechi, this 125 sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur city. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests and forms the Northern boundary of the Chimmini Wild Life Sanctuary.

Having an abundance of enchanting flora and fauna and a lake where you can go boating, this place is a treat for the nature lover. The forest here mainly consist of Tropical Ever green Forests, Tropical Semi-evergreen forests, Moist Deciduous forests.

There are more than 50 different kinds of orchids, innumerable rare medicinal plants, teak, rosewood, and so on. The faunal diversity includes over 39 species of mammals including carnivores like the leopard, tiger, jungle cat and herbivores like the Sambar deer, barking deer, spotted deer, Indian bison and Asian elephant. More than 176 species of birds, 30 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 40 species of fishes are reported from the sanctuary.

The highest peak in the sanctuary is the 923 m high Ponmudi. Trekking facility is available in the sanctuary with permission and the ponmudi peak is the right choice for that. One can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sanctuary from atop the peak. Nature camps are held frequently in the sanctuary.

There are numerous streams, flowing over the entire sanctuary, which join the three main rivers Kurumali, Manali, and Wadakkanchery. There are three vayals in the sanctuary viz, Paingottupadam (10ha), Pathrakkandam (1ha) and Pothiyadukky (5ha). There are two reservoirs, Peechi and Vazhani formed by construction of two dams across the Manalippuzha and Vadakkancheripuzha. The total area of the two reservoirs is 14.793 sq. km.

For tourists, accommodation is available at the rest house and the information centre at Peechi. The average summer temperature is 38 °C (100 °F). The average winter temperature is 15 °C (59 °F). The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm.

Attractions

The main attraction is the nature and if you are a nature lover you are definitely going to love your trip to the sanctuary.

Boating: You can enjoy the boat ride to this sanctuary.

Trekking: You can also enjoy trekking here. Ponmudi peak is the highest peak here with 923 meters height, which is ideal for trekking purposes. One can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the sanctuary from atop the peak. Tourists have to take prior permission for trekking from the forest department.