Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Home > Kerala > Attractions > Wildlife > Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Quick Facts

Location Kannur, Kerala
Established 1984
Area 55 Sq. Km
Best time to Visit October to June

About Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

In the north of Kerala, in district Kannur, a famous wildlife reserve is located, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Nestled amidst the Western Ghats slopes, it is perched on the western slopes of the mountain ranges. The woods of this sanctuary are sprawled till the border of the state and touch the boundary of Karnataka to the woods of Coorg. The area of this sanctuary is about 55 square kilometers and there is a dense cover of a variety of forests like evergreen, moist deciduous and semi evergreen. Teak plantations can be seen everywhere, along with some Eucalyptus trees and cashew trees.

In the sanctuary, the land is sloppy and the altitude varies greatly. The top most peak is Katti Betta reaching to an altitude of 1145 mt. A wide spectrum of birds, animals and plants are supported by this sanctuary. Some prominent animals seen here are Sloth Bear, Elephant, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Sambar, Gaur and many more. Leopards can also be seen here. Flying Squirrel can also be spotted. Avid bird watchers can spot some rare species of birds. There are about 188 species of birds recorded in this sanctuary.

The place experiences about 4000 mm rainfall every year. Thus, there is a wide spectrum of water bodies at this place. The main water body is Cheenkannippuzha River. A good population of diverse fish is recorded here. About 23 amphibian species can also be seen.

History

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent sanctuary in the state of Kerala. It is located at a distance of about 66 kilometers away from Kannur. Kozhikode is situated about 122 kms away from the sanctuary. Majority of tourists coming to Kerala ensure a visit to this place. This sanctuary was established in the year 1984. The sanctuary is sprawled in villages Aralam, Kottiyoor and Kelakam.

A diverse range of animals like elephant, bison, boar, boar, deer, sambar, leopard, squirrels, sloth bear and many more can be seen here. Reptiles and amphibians in a great variety can be seen in this sanctuary covering 55 square kms area.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

The temperature of this sanctuary ranges from 21 degree to 40 degree centigrade. An annual rain varying from 3000-40000 mm is recorded in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The highest rainfall received by this Wildlife sanctuary falls within the months of June – August. Since the place receives immense rainfall, it stays wet and humid at times. This place is perfect for spending vacations amidst the wilderness.

How to Reach


By Air

At about 113 kilometers away from Iritty, the closest airport to reach this Wildlife sanctuary is located at Kozhikode.

By Rail

At about forty five kilometers from Thalasseri, the closest railway station to reach this destination is located.

By Road

From Thalasseri in Kannur district, several buses ply their services and it becomes very easy and convenient to reach the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife


Flora

A diverse range of vegetation is available in this sanctuary as it falls in different vegetation zones. These are Hilltop Evergreen Forest, Tropical Evergreen Forest, Moist Deciduous Forest and Tropical Semi Evergreen Forest. In a large area of land, teal as well as Eucalyptus plantations can be seen here. Some prominent species in trees that are available in this sanctuary are Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Myristica Species, Mechilus macrantha, Mesua ferrea, Mallotus, Cullenia rosayroona, Calophyllum elatum, Toona cillata, Magnifera indica, Xyliaxylocarpa, Largestroemia lanceolata, Hopea parviflora, and many more.

Fauna

Indian Elephant, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar and gaur are the major mammals that can be seen in this sanctuary. Tigers, wild cats and leopards are the predators spotted in the sanctuary. Besides primates, other arboreal seen in the sanctuary is flying squirrel.

Avifauna

The Avifauna recorded in this wildlife sanctuary are blue-winged parakeet, Malabar grey hornbill and Nilgiris wood pigeon besides some 215 odd types of avifauna registered here.

Activities to Do


Nature Camps

Students come here in large groups as a part of nature camps conducted by the Sanctuary. Every year, about 60 such camps are conducted. With about 40 students, the duration of the camps is 2-3 days. For a non-student group to enjoy a nature camp, permission from Chief Conservator, Forests need to be sought.

Trekking to Ambalappara

Trekking is a popular activity conducted in this area. It is exciting to traverse tough terrains in thick woods. At night, the trekkers can spend a night out at Ambalappara Watch Tower that is located about 25 kms away. Watcher guides take care of the safety of the trekkers.

Administration of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

The headquarters of the sanctuary is at Sulthan Bathery and it lies in the area of Wayanad division. An Assistant Wildlife Officer takes care of the sanctuary.

Accommodation

At Forest IB, accommodation facilities are available. For a 2 room set, the charges are 300/- and for officials the charge is 200/-. There is a dormitory too with 24 beds. The charges are 40/-. Besides these accommodation facilities, there is a PWD rest house, Private lodges and many other facilities. Contact Information 0490- 2413160

General Information


Fees

  • Adult Rs.15/-
  • Foreigners Rs.150/-
  • Children (Below 12 years) -Rs.7/-
  • Guide Rs.150/-
  • Video / Movie Rs.150/-
  • Ordinary Camera Rs.25/-
  • Vehicle (Light) Rs.75/-
  • Vehicle (Others) Rs.20/-
  • Vehicle (Heavy) Rs.150/-

Visiting Timings

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Nearby Attractions


Central State Farm

This farm is known for producing coconut seeds that are cross bred and it was started in the year 1971.

Meenmutty Falls

With water falling from a height of 300 m, Meenmutty waterfall beckons a large number of tourists who come here after hiking for two kilometers.

Location Map

Photo Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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