Aralam 
The northernmost Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala, Aralam, 45 km east of Kannur,
lies on the western slopes of the Western Ghats. With an area of just 55 sq km,
this is one of the smallest sanctuaries in Kerala. Established in 1984,
it adjoins the State Farm in Aralam at Kannur district and is headquartered
at Iritty,a small town that lies 10 km to the east. About 500 hectares of
teak and eucalyptus plantations populate this bio-rich forest range that
houses diverse plant and animal life. The tallest peak here is Katti Betta,
scaling to a height of 1,145 m. The hilly terrains provide golden opportunities
for trekking.The evergreen forest with various species of flora and fauna sets
the stage for some delightful outdoor activities.
Ecotourism :
Home to a variety of birds and animals including elephants, sambar,
bison, leopard, boar, deer, jungle cat and different species of squirrels,
the Aralam Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. An overnight stay
in the forest watchtower provides ample opportunity for spotting the wildlife.
Aralam is a contiguous block of forests stretching to the adjacent
Wayanad-Brahmagiri and Wayanad northern slopes. The forests are also
contiguous with the protected areas of the Karnataka state namely the Brahmagiri
Wildlife Sanctuary and also with the forests of Coorg and assume much importance
in meta population management especially with regard to the case of larger mammals
such as Gaur,Elephant, Tiger and endemic primates such as Lion-tailed macaque,
and Nilgiri Langur.
The Cheenkannipuzha, a major tributary to the Valapattanam River originates
from the forests of Aralam.
Near by Places :
Chavachi , Meenmutty and Ambalapara Peak.
Location :
45 km east of Kannur, 35 km northeast of Thalassery.
Nearest airport is at Kozhikode.
The nearest railway station is at Thalassery.
For enquiries and bookings, contact:
Wildlife Sanctuary Office, Aralam Ph: 0490-2493160.
District Tourist Promotion Council, Kannur Ph: 0497-2706336
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Wynad, its peoples and traditions (Malabar series)
The Wynaad and the planting industry of Southern India
The Wynaad and the planting industry of Southern India
