This sanctuary, established in 1958, is situated about 20kms east of Thrissur. This sanctuary consisting of Palappilli- Nelliyampathi forests spreads over an area of Chimminy wildlife sanctuary. This sanctuary lies in between the latitude10° 28' to 10°38'and the longitude 76°18' to 76°28'. Generally pleasant climate is experience in this enchanting place consisting of plains and hills.Ponmudi is the highest peak (923m) in this region which runs to the altitude ranging from 45 metres to 900 metres.The temperature experienced in this region during November to January is 15°C and in March - April 38°C.The annual average rainfall in this area is 3000 mm. and the rainy season falls during June to August.
Flora
Evergreen forests are very sparsely seen in this wildlife sanctuary which is blessed with various kinds of flora.In the wet leaves shedding forests, trees like teak, rosewood, irul, thenmavu and venteak grow in abundance.In the evergreen forests, trees like kalpine, kambakam, karakil, whiteakil and ambani are seen. More than 50 different orchids and innumerable rare medicinal plants can also be seen here.
Fauna
Twenty five types of mammals, more than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are found here. Carnivorous animals like leopard, tiger, fox etc and herbivorous animals like elks, deers, barking deers etc are here. Bison and elephants are rarely seen in the interior forests. Herds of spotted deers are common here. In leaves shedding forests and meadows elks are seen in large numbers. This sanctuary is a dwelling place of many kinds of birds and various species of birds were found out here in the ornithology survey conducted recently.Headquarters of this wildlife sanctuary is at Peechi. An information centre functions here for the tourists. The famous Kerala Forest Research Centre situated here adds importance to this sanctuary.Boating facilities are arranged in the lake, here.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities can be availed at the rest house, and the information centre. Kochi, the nearest airport, is about 98 kms fat from here. The nearest railway station is Thrissur or Chalakkudy.
The place is fascinating for its damsite, thick forest areas, eucalyptus plantations, crystal clear streams and rocky terrains ideal for adventure expeditions.
Silent Valley National Park has an area of 90 sq km is located in the north eastern corner of the district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.
Thattekkad is made up of dense tropical evergreen and deciduous forest and grassland patches, housing a population of over 500 species of exotic birds.
Thekkady is one of the finest wildlife reserves in India, and spread across the entire district are picturesque plantations and hill towns that hold great opportunities for treks and mountain walks.
The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region.
Neyyar sanctuary is nestled in the south-east corner of the Western Ghats, the Neyyar sanctuary is the drainage basin of the Neyyar river and its tributaries-Mullayar and Kallar.
