Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Park, nestled in the Thrissur district near the Chalakudy River, is a delightful oasis that beautifully balances biodiversity with serene landscapes. En route to the famed Athirappilly waterfalls, this underrated gem offers a refreshing break from the usual tourist trail. Here's an in-depth review exploring its many facets:
🦋 Biodiversity & Butterfly Garden
The park is a sanctuary for over 140–148 species of butterflies—ranging from the majestic Southern Birdwing (Troides minos) and elegant Lemon Butterfly (Papilio demoleus) to the ethereal Light Blue and Dark Blue Tigers (Tirumala limniace, T. septentrionis) . Walks through the butterfly garden at dawn reveal an enchanting world, where wings the size of birds settle on blooms, flitting amidst flowers such as pagoda flower, Mexican heather, flame lily, and rattle pods . The monsoon season elevates the spectacle—colors intensify, and the garden becomes a hive of nectar-gathering activity.
🌉 The Hanging Bridge & Dam
Spanning majestically across the Chalakudy River, the iconic suspension bridge connects Thrissur to Ernakulam district, offering breathtaking views of the dam, swirling waters, and lush forests . Strolling across brings a fulfilling sense of adventure—a slight sway, the sound of wind and water, and an open panorama that beckons photographers and serenity-seekers alike. Below lies the functional Thumboormuzhi check dam, integral to irrigation via the Edathukara and Valathukara canals, serving local villages.
🌳 Facilities & Surroundings
Beyond butterflies and river views, the park includes a well-maintained children's play area—complete with slides and swings—nestled in manicured lawns . You’ll also find amenities such as restrooms, a DTPC snack pavilion, bathing ghats, and parking facilities . Note: there is a separate parking fee (around ₹30), along with camera charges (~₹25), so come prepared with cash .
A word of caution: monkeys are frequent visitors. They may attempt to snatch food or belongings, so it’s advised to store valuables securely and avoid feeding wildlife .
⏰ Timing & Entry
The park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, or 10 AM to 6:30 PM depending on source . Entry fees range between ₹15–20 for adults and ₹5–15 for children, plus optional extras like camera charges . Off-line ticketing is standard; digital payments may not be available.
📅 Best Visiting Time
Early morning: Ideal for catching the garden alive with winged activity—especially at sunrise when butterflies are most active .
Monsoon months (June–September): The dam overflows and forest greenery deepens, making the scene dramatic and lush .
Winter–spring (February–April): Flowers are in bloom, the weather is pleasantly cool, and butterfly varieties are at their peak .
👍 Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
Rich butterfly diversity and beautifully landscaped garden.
Captivating hanging bridge with immersive river and forest vistas.
Amenities for families—playgrounds, clean restrooms, snack facilities.
Easy access from Chalakudy and Thrissur, en route to major attractions like Athirappilly.
👎 Cons
Parking can be tricky; a small fee and careful attention needed to avoid fines .
Limited food options—best to eat at Athirapally or carry your own snacks .
Monkey activity may require vigilance with belongings.
🎯 Overall Verdict
Thumboormuzhi Butterfly Park is a hidden treasure nestled in Kerala’s greenery. It offers a perfect mini-escape—combining biodiversity, light adventure, kid-friendly fun, scenic beauty, and cultural immersion. Whether you seek quiet reflection, photography, educational nature walks, or just a breath of fresh air, it delivers a memorable hour or two. Best experienced during early hours or their monsoon bloom, it’s a location that charms both first-timers and repeat visitors alike.
Final Score: 8.5/10 for its natural diversity, scenic bridge, and family-oriented design. For those passing by Athirappilly or Chalakudy, this is a must-stop to experience Kerala’s understated...
Read moreThis place is purely a God blessed one. Every type person in any type of mood can enjoy the nature fully. Nature giving you all kind of things like trees bees birds animals river including pleasent mind with historical life. Everyone traveling through this area mainly to explore the nature vibes or beauty. But note one thing "please don't hurt Nature like don't use plastic,fire, harmful sounds against wildlife". Another thing don't enter into the forest and river without permission because of your life is important otherwise your journey will be end with dangerous.Timing is there to passing through this area 6 to 7. And you can see elephants maybe so please keep silent. This area have good peoples ,most of them lives in kerala plantation corporation quarters. Lovers can easily travel and enjoy the moments through this forest route. Lodges resorts Amusement parks are available.There is no pollution so good healthy air and food is there. You can enjoy the ride and explore the forest vibes with good health. Nearby tourist places are athirappilly vazhachal malakapara Valparai. Nearby cities Angamaly , chalakudy. Nearby hospital Angamaly mookkannoor chalakudi. Nearby Airport is...
Read moreA good spot to spend quality time with family. During spring season there could be a lot of butterflies in the garden. It is well maintained. There is no separte entry fee. The entry is through Thumboormuzhi Dam. However you could also enter at Ezhaatumugham and cross the hangging bridge over the river to reach this side. You have to be specific when you buy the ticket otherwise security guard wont be allowing you to cross over. There is also ample parking space inside the park and some paid parking slots outside the park as well. During the season time you wont be getting chance to park inside. The paid parking outside the Dam is more convinient and allows an easy exit. So you could save some time to visit next destination, Of course, no one will ever plan to visit Thumboormuzhy alone. It is always woth visiting Athriampilly Vazhachal waterfalls and other view points in the same direction on a single trip.
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