Kareems Forest Park

Kareem's Forest Park (celebrated globally as India's foremost pioneering man made tropical forest and an inspiring ecological miracle created by lone environmentalist Abdul Kareem), situated in Puliyamkulam near Parappa just 40 km southeast of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of the world's most remarkable, biodiverse, and celebrated private afforestation sanctuaries.

Beginning in 1977 when visionary nature lover Abdul Kareem purchased 32 acres of rocky, sun scorched, and completely barren laterite wasteland that villagers deemed impossible to cultivate, Kareem painstakingly carried pots of water on his head for years to nurture indigenous tree saplings, ultimately creating a dense, self sustaining tropical evergreen rainforest with a thick natural humus floor that replenished regional groundwater aquifers for miles around.

It's the home of over 300 species of indigenous wild trees and medicinal plants including sandalwood, mahogany, teak, ebony, wild mango, and rare medicinal lianas, a thriving wildlife refuge harboring civet cats, barking deer, wild boars, flying squirrels, and over 100 species of resident and migratory forest birds, towering multi layered canopies where the ambient temperature drops by 3°C to 5°C compared to surrounding towns, natural perennial forest ponds that never dry even during peak summer droughts, nature study trails for environmental researchers, solar powered eco cottages, and the personal inspiring eco philosophy of Abdul Kareem who continues to guide students and conservationists worldwide.

It represents a rich ecological, educational, and conservation sanctuary where visionary individual tree planting, natural water table rejuvenation, organic ecosystem harmony, and deep forest solitude unite in Kinanoor Karinthalam grama panchayat.

Located in Puliyamkulam near Parappa and Nileshwar, it sits just 20 km from Kanhangad Railway Station (KZE), 22 km from Nileshwar (NLE), 40 km from Kasaragod, and 85 km from Mangalore International Airport (IXE), easily accessible by rural buses, auto rickshaws, and private cabs.

The 1977 Ecological Miracle of Abdul Kareem

Without using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or automated irrigation, Abdul Kareem allowed nature to take its course once the pioneer root systems gripped the rocky laterite.

Today, the forest is studied by environmental scientists from premier global universities as a textbook model for global desertification reversal.

Truth is, walking under the dense green canopy while birds chirp overhead and feeling the immediate temperature drop is deeply humbling.

Water Table Rejuvenation & Biodiversity Hub

Groundwater Recharge: The 32 acre forest sponge recharged the water table of the entire village, transforming parched neighborhood wells into overflowing perennial springs.

Medicinal Flora & Wildlife: The forest shelters hundreds of Ayurvedic herbs, rare orchids, and wild animals seeking refuge from urban encroachment.

Eco Tourism, Nature Camps & Research

Environmental Education: The park hosts school nature camps, botany workshops, and silent meditation walks for eco travelers.

Eco Stay Facilities: Simple solar powered guest cottages are available for naturalists and researchers wishing to experience the night sounds of the forest.

After exploring the lush trails of Kareem's Forest Park, visit the 60 acre Kammadam Sacred Grove nearby, experience universal peace at Anandashram in Kanhangad, or tour the 17th century Bekal Fort in Kasaragod.