Kareems Forest Park
Kareems Forest Park is an extraordinary testament to one man's vision and tireless dedication toward nature conservation. Spread over 32 acres of lush greenery, this is the only man-made forest of its kind in Kerala. It was created by Mr. Abdul Kareem, a native of Kasaragod, who transformed a compl etely barren, rocky wasteland into a thriving ecosystem over a period of three decades. In the late 1970s, Kareem purchased five acres of parched land and began planting saplings despite the mockery of locals who believed nothing could grow on the hard laterite rock. Today, the park is a dense canopy of indigenous trees, medicinal plants, and wild shrubs. This forest has not only restored the green cover but has also significantly increased the groundwater levels in the entire Puliyamkulam village. The park is a sanctuary for hundreds of species of birds, small wild animals, insects, and reptiles, making it a "living laboratory" for environmentalists, scientists, and students of Ayurveda. Visitors can walk through narrow forest trails, breathe in the incredibly pure air, and observe how nature reclaims land when given a chance. Mr. Kareem himself often interacts with visitors, sharing his inspiring story and the techniques he used to nurture the forest without using chemical fertilizers or complex irrigation. The park features a small stream and a well that now remains full even in the peak of summer, showcasing the forest's ability to retain moisture. It is a peaceful retreat far from the city's noise, offering a deep connection with the earth. The park also serves as a center for distributing saplings to those who wish to start their own micro-forests. For anyone interested in eco-tourism and sustainability, a visit to Kareems Forest Park is an eye-opening and deeply humbling experience.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 3 Hours.Place Type:
Eco-Park & Botanical SanctuaEntry Fees:
Nominal Entry Fee: There is a very small entry fee, usually around Rs. 20 to Rs. 50, which goes directly toward the maintenance of the forest and paying the local staff.
Educational Tours: For large groups of students or researchers, spec...Nominal Entry Fee: There is a very small entry fee, usually around Rs. 20 to Rs. 50, which goes directly toward the maintenance of the forest and paying the local staff.
Educational Tours: For large groups of students or researchers, special packages are available that include a detailed lecture and guided tour, priced at approximately Rs. 200 per head.Timing:
Regular Hours: The forest park is generally open from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM. It is advisable to visit during daylight to fully appreciate the flora.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is at 09:00 AM when the birds are most active or at 03:30 P...Regular Hours: The forest park is generally open from 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM. It is advisable to visit during daylight to fully appreciate the flora.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time is at 09:00 AM when the birds are most active or at 03:30 PM when the temperature drops and the lighting is soft.Special Events:
World Environment Day: Every year on June 5th, the park hosts special workshops, tree-planting drives, and seminars involving local schools and environmental activists.
Seed Exchange Meet: Periodically, the park organizes events where local...World Environment Day: Every year on June 5th, the park hosts special workshops, tree-planting drives, and seminars involving local schools and environmental activists.
Seed Exchange Meet: Periodically, the park organizes events where local farmers and nature enthusiasts gather to exchange traditional seeds and discuss sustainable agricultural practices.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Canopy Trail: A photo taken from a low angle showing the towering trees meeting overhead creates a spectacular "green tunnel" effect.
Beside the Perennial Well: This spot symbolizes the success of the forest; the lush greenery ref...The Main Canopy Trail: A photo taken from a low angle showing the towering trees meeting overhead creates a spectacular "green tunnel" effect.
Beside the Perennial Well: This spot symbolizes the success of the forest; the lush greenery reflected in the clear water is a beautiful sight.
Macro Shots of Flora: The park is a treasure trove for macro photography, from intricate wild flowers to colorful insects and unique moss formations on tree trunks.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Guided Nature Walk: Take a slow walk through the forest trails. It’s best to go with a guide or Mr. Kareem himself to understand the history of each section.
Bird Watching: With its dense canopy, the park is an excellent spot for spotting the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sunbirds, and various species of Owls.
Learn About Sustainability: Spend time talking to the founder to learn about organic farming, seed preservation, and how to convert wasteland into a garden.
Photography: The play of sunlight filtering through the thick green leaves creates a "bokeh" effect that is perfect for nature photography.
Meditation: Find a quiet spot on a wooden bench or a rock and enjoy the profound silence of the woods, broken only by the chirping o...Guided Nature Walk: Take a slow walk through the forest trails. It’s best to go with a guide or Mr. Kareem himself to understand the history of each section.
Bird Watching: With its dense canopy, the park is an excellent spot for spotting the Malabar Grey Hornbill, Sunbirds, and various species of Owls.
Learn About Sustainability: Spend time talking to the founder to learn about organic farming, seed preservation, and how to convert wasteland into a garden.
Photography: The play of sunlight filtering through the thick green leaves creates a "bokeh" effect that is perfect for nature photography.
Meditation: Find a quiet spot on a wooden bench or a rock and enjoy the profound silence of the woods, broken only by the chirping of birds.
Buy Saplings: You can purchase organic seeds and saplings of forest trees to plant in your own backyard as a souvenir of your visit.
Study Ayurveda: For students of traditional medicine, observing these plants in their natural habitat rather than in a dried form is highly educational.
Information
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Why Famous:
Sub Place Why Famous:
Inspirational Origins: It is world-famous as a successful model of individual-led reforestation. Mr. Kareem has received numerous national and international awards for his work.
Biodiversi...Sub Place Why Famous:
Inspirational Origins: It is world-famous as a successful model of individual-led reforestation. Mr. Kareem has received numerous national and international awards for his work.
Biodiversity Hub: The park is famous for housing over 300 species of medicinal plants and providing a home to rare migratory birds that are not usually seen in this part of Kerala.
Environmental Education: It is a top destination for researchers and students from across India who come to study the "Kareem Model" of ecological restoration. -
Architecture:
Ecosystem Design: The "architecture" here is biological. Mr. Kareem designed the forest to be self-sustaining. He planted various layers of vegetation, including tall canopy trees like teak and mahogany, followed by mid-sized fruiting trees, and a ground layer of medicin...Ecosystem Design: The "architecture" here is biological. Mr. Kareem designed the forest to be self-sustaining. He planted various layers of vegetation, including tall canopy trees like teak and mahogany, followed by mid-sized fruiting trees, and a ground layer of medicinal herbs and shrubs. This multi-tier structure mimics a natural rainforest.
Water Conservation Structures: To tackle the initial water scarcity, Kareem constructed small stone check-dams and dug a deep well. The "design" of the forest floor, covered in a thick layer of dry leaves (mulch), acts as a sponge that absorbs every drop of rainwater, preventing runoff and recharging the laterite aquifers. There are no concrete buildings here; the only structures are simple, eco-friendly huts made of local wood and thatch. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Kannur International Airport is the nearest, about 85 km away. Mangalore Airport is around 105 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kanhangad, located 23 km away. You can easily find buses and taxis from there.By Air: Kannur International Airport is the nearest, about 85 km away. Mangalore Airport is around 105 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Kanhangad, located 23 km away. You can easily find buses and taxis from there.
By Road: From Kanhangad, take the road towards Parappa and then proceed to Puliyamkulam. The route is scenic and well-paved.
By Local Transport: Local buses running between Kanhangad and Panathur stop at Parappa, from where you can take an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 5 km to the park. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasonal Breakdown: The monsoon (June to September) is when the forest is at its vibrant best, though trails can be slippery. The post-monsoon months from October to February offer the most comfortable weather for walking.
Time of Day: Mid...Seasonal Breakdown: The monsoon (June to September) is when the forest is at its vibrant best, though trails can be slippery. The post-monsoon months from October to February offer the most comfortable weather for walking.
Time of Day: Mid-morning is best for seeing the details of the plants, while late afternoon is best for observing bird movements. -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Ranipuram Hills (25 km), 2. Kottancheri Hills (20 km), 3. Anandashram (20 km), 4. Bekal Fort (35 km), 5. Nileshwaram (30 km), 6. Malom Wildlife Sanctuary (15 km), 7. Achankallu Waterfalls (12 km), 8. Hosdurg Fort (23 km), 9. Valiyaparamba Backwaters (40 km), 10. Chandragiri Fort (48 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Wear full-sleeved clothes and long trousers to protect yourself from mosquito bites and occasional leeches during the rainy season. Use closed-toe walking shoes.
Packing: Carry a good camera, a notebook if you are a studen...Health & Safety: Wear full-sleeved clothes and long trousers to protect yourself from mosquito bites and occasional leeches during the rainy season. Use closed-toe walking shoes.
Packing: Carry a good camera, a notebook if you are a student, and a bottle of water. Avoid carrying any plastic bags or disposables into the forest.
Accommodation: Stay in Kanhangad town or look for eco-stays in the Parappa region for a more immersive experience.
Cash & Connectivity: There are no ATMs near the park; carry enough cash from Parappa or Kanhangad. Mobile network is patchy inside the dense forest but works near the entrance.
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