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Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Kannur, Kerala, India
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling protected area covering 55 square kilometers on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. Established in 1984, it is the only wildlife sanctuary in the Kannur district and serves as a vital corridor for elephants and other large mammals. The sanctuary is char acterized by tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, with the Cheenkanni River flowing through its heart. It is a biodiversity hotspot home to various species such as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Sambar Deer, Wild Boar, and the elusive Leopard. For birdwatchers, Aralam is a paradise, hosting rare species like the Great Pied Hornbill and the Ceylon Frogmouth. The terrain is rugged, with the highest peak, Katti Betta, rising to about 1145 meters. The sanctuary also hosts a massive state-managed farm where various tropical crops are cultivated. Nature enthusiasts can engage in trekking programs organized by the forest department, which lead to the breathtaking Meenmutty Waterfalls. The sanctuary is also famous for its annual "Butterfly Migration," where thousands of butterflies can be seen fluttering through the forest. It provides a raw and untouched nature experience, far removed from the commercial tourist trails. Visiting Aralam offers a chance to disconnect and immerse oneself in the sounds of the jungle. The forest department maintains watchtowers that provide panoramic views of the entire green canopy of the Malabar region.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    Duration: Full Day (6 to 8 Hours)
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    Place Type:
    Wildlife Sanctuary / Nature Reserve
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    Entry Fees:
    Entry Fees: Indian Adults pay 15 INR, while children pay 7 INR. Foreigners are charged 150 INR.

    Topic Jeep Safari: A private jeep for the safari costs around 500 INR to 800 INR for a group of five people. ...
    Entry Fees: Indian Adults pay 15 INR, while children pay 7 INR. Foreigners are charged 150 INR.

    Topic Jeep Safari: A private jeep for the safari costs around 500 INR to 800 INR for a group of five people.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day for day visitors.

    Topic Ideal Visit Time: Morning hours between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM are best for wildlife sightings. ...
    Regular Timings: The sanctuary is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day for day visitors.

    Topic Ideal Visit Time: Morning hours between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM are best for wildlife sightings.
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    Special Events:
    Annual Bird Census: A special event where ornithologists gather to document the avian population in January.

    Topic Butterfly Festival: Organized during the peak migration months to celebrate the biodiversity of the region. ...
    Annual Bird Census: A special event where ornithologists gather to document the avian population in January.

    Topic Butterfly Festival: Organized during the peak migration months to celebrate the biodiversity of the region.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Meenmutty Waterfalls: The gushing water against the backdrop of dark rocks makes for a stunning nature photograph.

    Topic Forest Watchtowers: Capture the endless sea of green forest from the top of the Pothenplavu tower.

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    Meenmutty Waterfalls: The gushing water against the backdrop of dark rocks makes for a stunning nature photograph.

    Topic Forest Watchtowers: Capture the endless sea of green forest from the top of the Pothenplavu tower.

    Topic Macro Nature: The sanctuary is perfect for shooting rare orchids, fungi, and colorful insects.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Jungle Safari: Take an off-road jeep safari to explore the deep forest areas where elephants are frequently spotted.

    Topic Trekking to Meenmutty: Hike through the dense woods to reach the cascading Meenmutty Falls for a refreshing dip.

    Topic Bird Watching: Join a guided walk to identify rare hornbills and endemic birds of the Western Ghats.

    Topic Butterfly Spotting: Visit during the post-monsoon months to see the spectacular butterfly congregation near the river.

    Topic Photography: Capture the misty forest landscapes and the intricate details of tropical flora and fauna.

    Topic Nature Camps: Participate in environmental awareness camps conducted for students and nature lovers.

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Unique Biodiversity: It is famous for being a sanctuary where one can spot all the major Western Ghats bird species in one place. The Meenmutty Waterfalls located deep inside the forest are a major draw for adventure seekers.

    Topic Butterfly ...
    Unique Biodiversity: It is famous for being a sanctuary where one can spot all the major Western Ghats bird species in one place. The Meenmutty Waterfalls located deep inside the forest are a major draw for adventure seekers.

    Topic Butterfly Hub: It is renowned as a "Butterfly Paradise," especially during the migration season when the forest floor is covered in colorful wings.
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    Architecture:
    Eco-Friendly Structures: The forest department has constructed watchtowers and basic trekking huts using eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wood. The Meenmutty watchtower is a simple yet sturdy structure designed to withstand heavy monsoon winds.

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    Eco-Friendly Structures: The forest department has constructed watchtowers and basic trekking huts using eco-friendly materials like bamboo and wood. The Meenmutty watchtower is a simple yet sturdy structure designed to withstand heavy monsoon winds.

    Topic Dimensions: The sanctuary covers an area of 5500 hectares with trekking trails extending over 10 KMS deep into the forest zones.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Kannur International Airport is the closest, situated about 37 KMS from the sanctuary entrance.

    Topic By Train: Thalassery Railway Station is the nearest major station, about 55 KMS away.

    Topic By Roa...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    Nearby Places: 1. Meenmutty Falls (Inside), 2. Iritty Bridge (20 KMS), 3. Pazhassi Dam (30 KMS), 4. Mridanga Saileswari Temple (25 KMS), 5. Kottiyoor Temple (40 KMS), 6. Peralassery Temple (45 KMS), 7. Paithalmala (60 KMS), 8. Palakkayam Thattu (55 KMS), 9. St. Angelo Fort (56 KMS), 10. Arakkal Museum (55 KMS).

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Carry leech socks if visiting during or after the rainy season; stay with your guide at all times.

    Topic Packing: Wear dull-colored clothing to blend in with nature and carry a reusable water bottle.

    Read More

Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

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