ARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Aralam wildlife sanctuary is situated on the western slopes of Western Ghats in Kannur district of
Kerala. It has been carved out from the Odanthode Malavaram of Thalassery Special Division. The
sanctuary was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1984. Cheenkannipuzha is its main drainage system,
located on the southern side.
Flora
Vegetation type: West coast semi-evergreen forests, West Coast tropical evergreen forest, Southern
hilltop evergreen forest, South Indian moist deciduous forest and plantations.
Important trees: teak, bishop wood, Jackfruit, warty marble tree, Indian rose chestnut, eucalyptus etc.
Fauna
Tiger, sambar, panther, spotted deer, barking deer, sloth bear, elephant, gaur, wild boar, bonnet
macaque, Nilgiri langur, wild dog, common langur, common otter, Malabar giant squirrel, etc.
Getting there
Closest airport is about 113 km away at Kozhikode. Nearest railway terminal is at Thalasseri about 45
km away. Nearest major bus terminals to Aralam wildlife sanctuary are located at Thalasseri and
Kannur (45 km approx.).
Tourist information
Accommodation can be availed with prior booking at IB of the Central State Farm, Forest IB and
Dormitory at Valayamchal. Visitors can also choose to stay at PWD rest house at Thalassery and Kannur
and at private lodges at Iritty.
Trekking is the main attraction in the reserve. Visitors can choose to trek to Meenmutty falls, which is a
two-day trek with one night halt at the Watch Tower at Meenmutty. Visitors are advised to wear light
and comfortable clothes of olive or khaki shades and carry enough provisions for water and food while
going for trekking. Stay with the group and better not to venture into unknown tracks. Nature trails and
bird watching are other popular past times in the sanctuary.
Additional information
Address: Aralam wildlife sanctuary, Aralam Farm, Valayamchal, Kannur, Kerala-670673
Area: 55 sq km; Altitude: 650-1150m; Temperature: 11°C - 40°C; Rainfall: 3700 - 5000mm
Best time to visit: November to May
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm (daily)
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