Established in the year 1984, Aralam wildlife sanctuary of Kannur is located at a distance of 60 kilometers from Kannur. It is spread over a small area of 55 square kilometers. Aralam national park is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The elevation gradually increases from 50 meters to 1145 meters. The highest peak over here that rises to a height of 1145 meters is known as Katti Betta. The lush green slopes and the thick forest cover make it the perfect home for the numerous species of birds and animals that live here.Aralam wildlife sanctuary is the northernmost protected area of Kerala state, situated in the southeast part of Kannur District. It lies between 11° 54 and 11° 59 North latitude and 75° 47 and 75° 57 East longitude. The sanctuary area falls in Aralam, Kelakam and Kottiyoor revenue villages and is located in the Northwest slopes of Western Ghats contiguous with the forests of Coorg (Kodagu) district of Karnataka state.The sanctuary receives an annual rainfall of around 3000 mm. The best time to visit the place isOctober to June. The monsoons last from June to September. . This farm is spread over a vast area of 3060 hectares and is one of the main production centers of crossbred coconut seeds in India.The sanctuary houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. Among the evergreen plants, one can find species like Calophyllum, Cullenia, Elatum and Vellapine among others. Among the semi-evergreen variety, one can find trees like Cinnamomum, Hopea, Mallotus, Zeylanicum and Philippinensis. The animal kingdom flourishes in animals like mouse deer, wild boars, elephants, Indian bison, leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels. Apart from the big animals, one can find many snakes and birds in this sanctuary.The forest is well fed by a good network of rivers. On the southern side it is the Cheenkannipuzha River which forms the primary drainage system. Narikkadavuthodu, Kurukkathodu and Meenumuttithodu rivers flowing from the northern upper towards south joins the Cheenkannipuzha.The area boasts of four different types of vegetation. These include West Coast tropical evergreen, West Coast semi-evergreen, South Indian moist deciduous and lastly Southern hilltop evergreen forest and plantations. A large variety of animal species typical to the Western Ghats can be found here. The highest peak in this region is Katti Betta, which is 1145m high.
Best time to visit: In Summer Season, October to June.
Climate/Weather:
Climate is Humid and Tropical. And the Temparature in Summer32.6 °C and in Winter21.4°C.
History:
Interesting things to do:
Its have Flora and Fauna, Different animlas and birds.A bird lover’s paradise, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 210 species of birds including Malabar grey hornbill, the blue winged parakeet and Nilgiris wood pigeon. Apart from birds, around 170 types of butterflies may also be seen here.
Interesting things to Visit:
Tellicherry Fort:Tellicherry Fort is situated at a distance of nearly 22 km from Kannur. This fort was constructed in 1708 AD and was prominent as it was the martial centre of the British.This fort was built as a memorial to their colonial imperialism that the east India Company founded its hamlet on the Malabar Coast. The fort has massive walls, carved doors, and secret tunnels reaching the sea.St Angelo Fort:The Portuguese built St Angelo Fort in 1505 on the promontory northwest of town. It’s a peaceful place, and the tourist police here are happy to give you a guided tour. There is a good view of Kannur town and the ocean from the top.Ranipuram :Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation – evergreen shoal woods, monsoon forests grasslands.Fisherfolk temple:The Fisherfolk temple is situated on the coastline that passes from Kannur to Thalassery and from Thalaserry to Mahe. The connection of these three makes a special and striking necklace of river as well as beaches. These pristine beaches are magnificent as each one is associated with a special ambience. These beaches are near the fisher folk temple.
Road Transport:An Excellent Road Transport System Connects Kannur To All The Major Towns Of South India. Kannur is a major railway station on Shornur – Mangalore line. By road Kannur is 155 KMs south of Mangalore and 535 KMs north of Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest Airport is at Calicut which is 110 KMs south and Mangalore Airport is 170KMs north.
Nearest Visiting places:
Meenkunnu Beach:The peaceful, quiet and beautiful Meenkunnu beach is a tourist paradise, situated at Azhikode, 12km from Kannur. It is an extension of the Payyambalam Beach. The golden sands of the beach lined with coconut trees and surf, is a perfect place to spend leisure time.The Residence of the Gundert:The Gundert Bungalow is situate at Illikkunnu, 2 kms away from Thalassery near the National Highway. It was here that Gundert, the German missionary and the plyglot resided for 20 years from 1839. He made invaluable contributions to the Malayalam language.Parassinikkadavu Temple:It is a famous temple in south India. It is situated 20 kms away from Kannur. It is famous for its natural beauty. Boating facilities are available for tourists.Dharmadam Isle:This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from southern part of Moithu bridge in the national highway. During ebb time one can reach here by foot. From this isle one can see the rocks around and the beauty of Muzhuppilangad beach and the distant beauty of Thalassery town. When Dharmadam isle was an important trading center, this isle was in the possession of Chirakkal king.Parassinikkadavu (Snake Park):Parassinikkadavu Snake Park signifies the great role played by Snakes in keeping the ecology of nature. The park is dedicated to preservation and conservation of snakes, most of which are getting extinct gradually. It has many snake pits and glass cases especially made only for king Cobras. In all there are about 150 snakes including spectacled Cobras, Monosialed Cobras, Russell, Vipers, Pit Viper and three magnificent king cobras.Arakkal Palace:3 kms from Kannur, is a beautiful palace of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala that controlled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep.Valapattanam:The small town on the Valapattanam river is situated about 7 kms from Kannur. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby. Western India Plywoods Limited, the largest wood-based industry in India and also one of the largest of its kind in South East Asia.Thodeekulam Siva Temple:Thodeekulam Siva Temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road in the Kannur district. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. This temple was constructed 2,000 years ago.Pazhassi Dam:An ideal retreat for rourists ,the damsite is famous for its scenic beauty. The D.T.P.C provides pleasure boating faciliaties at the reservoir. Accommodation is available at the Project Inspection Bungalow and its dormitories.Moppila Bay:Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countriea, in imports.Payyambalam Beach Resort:The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepcti ve of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or’ Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.Pythal Mala:This enchanting hill station ,situated 4,500 ft. above sea level near the Kerala – Karnataka border ,is rich in flora and fauna. It is a 6 km trek to the top of the hills.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Parippayi Petrol Pump Kannur, Kerala.Petrol Pump Koothuparamba, Kannur Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Malabar Fort Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.Hotel Paris Presidency Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.Hotel The Mark Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.Airtravel Enterprises India Ltd Fort Rd, Padanapalam, Cannanore Kannur, Kerala 670001 Tel: 0497 2767737.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Police Station NH 17, Thalassery, Kannur Kerala.Old Police Station Thalassery, Kannur Kerala.Edacheri Police Station SH 54, Kozhikode Kerala.