Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is Kannur district’s principal protected wildlife destination, extending across a forested section of the Western Ghats in eastern Kerala. Kerala Tourism describes the sanctuary as covering about 55 square kilometres of tropical forest and supporting a varied range of mammals, birds and other wildlife. Elephants, gaur, deer and the Malabar giant squirrel are among the better-known species associated with Aralam, while the forest is also important for birdwatching and butterfly diversity.

Trekking routes and nature-based visits allow travellers to experience streams, forest paths and the changing elevations of the sanctuary landscape, including routes associated with the Meenmutty area. This is a protected forest rather than a conventional sightseeing park, so entry, trekking, guide requirements, timings and permitted zones can be controlled by the forest authorities and may change with weather or wildlife conditions. Visitors should follow official instructions, avoid feeding or approaching wildlife and carry back all waste.

For travellers interested in Kerala ecotourism, Aralam offers one of Kannur’s strongest opportunities to experience Western Ghats biodiversity in a managed conservation setting.