Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kannur (celebrated across southern India as the northernmost wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and one of the finest biodiversity hot spots of the Western Ghats, spanning 55 square kilometers of dense evergreen and semi evergreen rainforests along the slopes of Brahmagiri hills, world famous for its imposing Katti Betta peak rising 1,145 meters above sea level, roaring Meenmutty / Ammakkottam waterfalls, crystal clear Cheenkannipuzha River, Central State Farm cashew plantations, and unprecedented butterfly mud puddling congregations of over 250 species), located near Iritty in Kannur in Kerala, stands as the land of looms and lore's premier wilderness sanctuary.

Established in 1984 by carving out portions of the Aralam State Farm and adjacent reserved forests, the sanctuary borders Coorg district in Karnataka and protects crucial elephant migration corridors connecting Wayanad, Brahmagiri, and Bandipur national parks.

It's the home of the sacred Ammakkottam evergreen canopy where ancient tribal rituals honor forest guardian spirits beneath giant Dipterocarpus trees, the thundering Meenmutty and Pookkundu waterfalls tumbling over mossy granite ledges, the scenic 14 km forest trekking route to Katti Betta summit offering panoramic vistas across Coorg coffee estates and Kannur coastline, the extraordinary annual butterfly migration in November December where millions of Blue Tigers and Crows cover river sands in spectacular mud puddling rituals, and an intensely peaceful, sensory rich rainforest atmosphere where the whistles of the Malabar Whistling Thrush blend with gushing mountain streams.

It represents a rich Western Ghats rainforest conservation model, tribal Paniya and Kurichiya heritage, and eco trekking wilderness where tropical canopies, elephant herds, butterfly swarms, and Kannur forest hills unite in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located near Iritty and Valayamchal, it sits just 55 km east of Kannur city center, 60 km from Kannur International Airport in Mattannur (CNN), 45 km from Thalassery, and 35 km from Virajpet in Coorg, easily accessible by KSRTC bus, private car, or taxi via Thalassery Coorg Road.

Katti Betta Peak & 250+ Butterfly Mud Puddling Phenomenon

Katti Betta rises 1,145 meters as the highest point in Aralam, rewarding trekkers with cool breezes and sweeping views of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges.

Aralam is renowned among entomologists for hosting over 250 species of butterflies, including the rare Malabar Rose, Malabar Tree Nymph, and Southern Birdwing.

Truth is, watching thousands of colorful butterflies take flight simultaneously from the sandy banks of Cheenkannipuzha River is truly magical.

Meenmutty Waterfalls, Cheenkannipuzha River & Jungle Safaris

Meenmutty Falls & Ammakkottam: An impressive multi tiered jungle waterfall surrounded by sacred groves where ancient tree species have flourished for centuries.

Jeep Safaris: Kerala Forest Department conducts 14 km guided 4x4 jungle jeep safaris from Valayamchal entry gate to the Meenmutty falls base.

Kannur Hill & Heritage Circuit

Hill Country Loop: Sits just 15 km from Iritty town, 25 km from Kottiyoor Shiva Temples, and 30 km from Pazhassi Dam & Gardens.

District Day Tour: Connects smoothly with St. Angelo Fort (55 km), Muzhappilangad Drive in Beach (60 km), and Parassinikkadavu Muthappan Temple (50 km).

After trekking the lush trails of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, visit Kottiyoor Temples, explore Pazhassi Dam, or tour Kannur.