The Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur district is a hot spot for nature lovers. Established in 1958, this 125 sq km sanctuary is about 20 km east of Thrissur, in the catchment area of the Peechi and Vazhani dams. The sanctuary is part of the Palapilli-Nelliampathy forests and forms the northern boundary of the Chimmini 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. There are more than 50 different kinds of orchids, innumerable rare medicinal plants and tress of high commercial value like teak, rosewood, and so on.

The wildlife population includes over 25 types of mammals including carnivores like the leopard, the tiger and the fox and herbivores like the elk, deer, barking deer, spotted deer, the gaur and the elephant. More than 60 types of birds and 10 types of snakes are also found here. The topography of the region has elevations that vary from 45 to 900 m above sea level. The highest peak in the sanctuary is the 923 m high Ponmudi. The average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. For tourists, accommodation is available at the rest house and the information centre at Peechi. The Kerala Forest Research Institute is also located in this region. The wildlife sanctuary is situated in an area where the cool months are from November to January and the summer months from March to April. The rainfall in the region occurs during the monsoon period from June to August.