The Aralam wildlife sanctuary is the northernmost one in Kerala and is
located on the western slope of the Western Ghats.
This wildlife sanctuary was
established 1984 and covers an area of 55 sq. kms. The sanctuary encompasses the
area between the villages of Kelakam, Kottiyoor and Aralam and merges with the
forests of Coorg in Karnataka. The sanctuary is a part of the Kannur district
and is located in the south-eastern part of the district. This sanctuary being
situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats gives it an elevation ranging from
50 metres to 1145 metres above sea level. Being located on the leeward side of
the Western Ghats, this sanctuary is known to receive high amounts of rainfall
which averages to 4000 mm during the monsoonal months of June, July and
August.
Flora and Fauna
The Aralam wildlife sanctuary due to its high amount of rainfall and climatic
conditions has given rise to tropical and semi-evergreen forests. The flora that
you can find here can be said to be endemic to the Western Ghats and cannot be
found in other drier parts of the state. It is also very rich in eucalyptus and
teak trees which are a part of a plantation programme. Also to be noted is the
central state farm that is located in the village of Aralam which was sanctioned
by the central government of India in the year 1971 covers an area of 3060
hectares. This farm is said to be India’s highest producer of coconut hybrid
seeds.
The fauna that can be found here includes the Asian elephants, gaurs, spotted
deer, sambar, Malabar giant squirrels, the Nilgiri langur, hanuman langur,
barking deer, jungle cats, leopards, boars etc. One can also find many reptiles
on the forest grounds or the tree tops such as lizards, snakes and monitors. The
sanctuary is also home to various aviary creatures but they are hard to spot due
to the dense tree tops.
Attractions (In and Around)
Katti Betta- this is the highest point in the sanctuary. One can get
picturesque views of the surrounding areas from atop this peak. A walk to this
peak through the dense cool forests is a great experience. On the way up you can
see a lot of wildlife such as various herds of deer, sambar, gaur, langur etc.
Hiking- this is one of the best ways to enjoy the forests and its bounty. Take a
walk in the well canopied forest that echo with calls of birds, deer and the
chatter of langur. Sighting wild animals such as the barking deer, sambar,
spotted deer, gaurs, nilgiri langur and elephants are quite easy; however the
jungle cats and leopards are very rare for a visitor to spot.
Accommodations and Restaurants
There are many hotels located at a short distance drive from the sanctuary
where you can put up. Some of the nearest ones are Parisons Plantations
Experiences (19 kms away), KTDC Tamarind (19.4 kms away), the Silver Oaks home
stay (22 kms away) and hotel Southern Star (19.5 kms away). As there are no
restaurants in the sanctuary you can bring packed lunch or drive a short
distance to get some. There are two restaurants that you could go to if hungry
and they are the Food Palace restaurant (7.5 kms away) and Fresh Juice center
(15 kms away).
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit it would be between the months of June and October.
During this time, weather conditions are pleasent and favourable for wildlife
viewing and trekking. The foothills temperature at Aralam ranges from 21 degree
Celsius to 40 degree Celsius and a higher altitude it reaches 8 to 25 degree
Celsius. It is advisable not to visit it during rainy season as the wildlife
sanctuary receives heavy rainfalls measuring 3000 mm.
Getting In
The nearest airport is Karipur international airport, 96 kms away from the
town of Thalassery and the nearest railway station is of Thalassery 55 kms away.
Travelling by road is another excellent medium to reach Aralam Wildlife
Sanctuary as by road from Thalassery it is 45 kms and from Kannur also it is 45
kms.