Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in the year 1984, covering an area of 55 sq. Km of the forest cover on the slope of the lofty Western Ghats. It is situated in Thalassery in the southeastern part of Kannur district of Kerala.

Being the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary joins the forests of Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka state. Inhabiting a wide variety of flora and fauna, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is covered with 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations for which it is famous for. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary offers overnight camping at the forest watchtower giving you an opportunity to watch the wildlife of the sanctuary. Huge varieties of butterflies can be seen flying freely around the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Speciality

• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is considered as one of the smallest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala.
• Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is renowned for its teak and eucalyptus plantations.
• Katti Betta is the highest peak near the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary which has a height of about  1145m above sea level.
• The Central State Farm near the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a great initiative of the Government of India, built in 1971 and serves as one of the key production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

Flora and Fauna

Coast tropical evergreen and west coast semi-evergreen forests occupy the majority area of the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. About 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations cover the forest area of this sanctuary. Calophyllum Elatum, Magnifera Indica, Vellapine (Vateria Indica), Mesua ferrea, Mechilus Macrantha, Cullenia Rosayroona, Toona Cillata, Euphorbia Longana, Myristica Species, and Strobilanthes are the trees found on the evergreen area of this sanctuary. While the semi-evergreen area consists of trees like Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Xylia xylocarpa, Hopea parviflora, Mallotus, Philippines’s trees, etc.

About 188 species of birds, 39 species of fishes, 23 species of mammals, 22 species of reptiles, and 16 species of amphibians are spotted in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. You can get a glimpse of wild animals like Elephant, Leopards, Tigers, Bison, Sambar, Deer, Boar, Wild Cats, Sloth Bear and different types of squirrels at this Sanctuary. Malabar Grey Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill, Broad Billed Roller, the Blue Winged Parakeet, Ceylon Frogmouth, and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon are the bird species found here.

Nearest Tourist Places

• St. Angelo Fort: St. Angelo Fort is a renowned historic monument that is built overlooking the majestic Arabian sea and a natural harbour called Mopilla Bay.
• Payyambalam Beach: Payyambalam Beach is a clean, peaceful and pristine beach destination with tranquil waters and white sandy shores perfect to hang around with your family and dear ones.
• Muzhappilangad Beach: The only drive-in beach in Kerala, the Muzhappilangad Beach offers an awesome driving experience through the shores with the beautiful view of the sea.
• Banasura Sagar Dam: Proclaimed as the largest earth dam in India, the Banasura Sagar Dam is a famous tourist destination near the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Ananthanatha Swami Temple: Ananthanatha Swami Temple is regarded as one of the oldest Jain temples in Kerala.
• The beautiful Meenmutty Waterfalls, tranquil Aralam River, lovely Chavachi Waterfalls and amazing Ambalapara Peak are the other nearby attractions to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Activities

Best time to visit

October to June.

Way to Reach

 By Air - Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 139.2 Km.

 By Rail -  Thalasseri Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 49.1 Km.

 By Road -  Thalassery Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 51 Km.

FAQs:

Is trekking allowed in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, trekking is allowed in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. There are numerous trekking trails through the hill ranges, offering a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts. Trekkers can enjoy the diverse landscapes and may encounter wildlife along the way.

Can I stay overnight at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, the sanctuary offers overnight camping facilities at the Forest Watchtower. This unique experience allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in nature and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Are there any bird-watching opportunities in the sanctuary?

Yes, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise. With over 188 species of birds, visitors can spot Malabar Grey Hornbills, Great Pied Hornbills, Broad Billed Rollers, and more.

How far is Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary from Kannur?

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 57.7 Km from Kannur town, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the region.

Is there any eco-tourism initiative at the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary?

Yes, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary promotes eco-tourism through activities like wildlife observation, trekking, camping, and bird-watching. The sanctuary's focus on conservation and sustainable tourism practices helps protect its natural beauty and biodiversity.

What makes Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary unique among Kerala’s wildlife sanctuaries?

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary stands out for its small size, yet it boasts a diverse ecosystem with teak and eucalyptus plantations, rich wildlife, and vibrant bird populations. It is also the northernmost sanctuary in Kerala, bordering the forests of Karnataka.