About 20 kms away from the Kerala’s Wayanad District, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mananthavady. This place is located close to Western Ghats. In Wayanad district, their wildlife sanctuary is one of the best tourist attractions. A lush green cover of dense forests houses a wide array of flora and fauna. The majority of trees located in this sanctuary have immense medicinal values. Some rare medicines are produced from different parts of the trees growing here. This sanctuary is a must watch for all those tourists who have immense interest in wild life and Mother Nature’s bounty.

A diverse range of wildlife that includes animals like elephants, boars, deer, leopards, tigers, etc can be seen. Besides wild life, a diverse range of birds can also be spotted in this sanctuary. The perfect place to spot animals is the water hole where animals come to quench their thirst.

From some sanctuaries that are located close to Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, such as, Nagarhole, Bandipore and Mudamalai, a large number of animals and birds prefer to come to this sanctuary due to shortage of water. A large number of tigers can also be spotted here. Across 3 states, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the forests are spread.

A diverse range of birds like jungle fowl, black bulbul, peafowl, laughing thrush, kingfisher, woodpecker, myna etc can be seen in this sanctuary. Trees like teak, vengal, rosewood and eucalyptus can also be seen. The scenic attractions of this sanctuary beckon tourists in large numbers every year.

History

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Western Ghats. Though this sanctuary is not very well known in the country, the varieties of animals and birds found here are unique. Exotic fauna and flora can also be seen here. From Mananthawady, this sanctuary is located at about a distance of 30 kms. Nature lovers get to spend a memorable time in this sanctuary. No doubt, it is a photographers’ delight as they get an opportunity to spot some rare species from animal as well as plant kingdom.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

During the summer season, temperature of this place touches 35 degree. The mercury drops in winters to 10 degree C. During the months, December to May, some other wildlife sanctuaries situated in the vicinity experience scarcity of water. These sanctuaries are Bandhipur, Mudamalai and Nagarhole and as such many animals and birds migrate to Begur Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus the best time to visit this sanctuary is from December to May.

How to Reach

By Air

At about 80 kilometers away from this sanctuary, the closest airport is Karipur International Airport to reach this Wildlife sanctuary is located at Kozhikode, about 106 kms away.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to reach this wildlife sanctuary is at Thalasseri in the Kannur district.

By Road

Reaching this wildlife sanctuary by bus is very easy and convenient as roads are well maintained and well connected.

Wildlife

Flora

Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is known to possess a diverse range of flora. Nature lovers enjoy spending time here. As per the climate and weather conditions of the place, flora is unique in itself. Vegetation found in abundance here is quite unique. Since the majority of the sanctuary has moist deciduous vegetation, the flora is corresponding to this vegetation vanilla, coffee, tea, pepper, condiments and cardamoms are among some popular exotic plants found here. Major trees seen in this wildlife sanctuary are teak, Grevelia and Eucalyptus besides Karimaruthi, Venteak, Maruthi, Rosewood, Bamboo, Mazhukanjiram and many more.

Fauna

Wildlife lovers love to visit this sanctuary as some unique species of wildlife can be spotted here. A diverse range of wildlife that includes animals like elephants, boars, deer, leopards, tigers, etc can be seen. Besides wild life, a diverse range of birds can also be spotted in this sanctuary. The perfect place to spot animals is the water hole where animals come to quench their thirst.

Activities to Do

Trekking

Trekking can be done in Begur Wildlife sanctuary. Trekking is a popular activity conducted in this area. It is exciting to traverse tough terrains in thick woods. Permission from the Chief Conservator, Forests need to be sought for the same.

Accommodation

Fringe Ford

Fringe Ford is a hotel located in Wayanad District. This hotel offers a wide range of services and amenities to the guests staying here. The hotel also offers Airport pick and drop facility.

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

Lakkidi

This tourist attraction close to the Begur Wildlife sanctuary is located on the top of Thamaraserri Ghat Pass. Here one can catch mesmerizing views of lofty mountains and verdant fields.

Banasura Dam

This dam is also located close to this sanctuary. Crystal clear water along the dam mesmerizes the visitors coming here. This is also a perfect place for enjoying picnics along with friends and family.

Tusharagiri Waterfalls

This waterfall is located amidst Western Ghats and it is exciting to see pure white waterfalls.

Photo Gallery