Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary

Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary (celebrated across North Malabar as the bio rich ecological jewel of the Parappa Forest Range and the vital Western Ghats wildlife corridor of Kasaragod), situated in the scenic highland foothills of Vellarikundu taluk just 42 km southeast of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of the district's most ecologically vital, densely forested, and biodiverse nature reserves.

Encompassing a sprawling tract of moist deciduous, semi evergreen, and riparian riverine forest along the western slopes of the Brahmagiri and Kodagu ranges, the Parappa Reserve forms an indispensable ecological bridge connecting the protected forests of Coorg with the coastal river basins of the Chandragiri and Kariangode rivers.

It's the home of vital migratory elephant corridors where wild Asian elephant herds traverse between Kerala and Karnataka forests, thriving populations of Indian leopards, spotted deer (chital), barking deer (muntjac), wild boars, Malabar giant squirrels, Indian pangolins, and bonnet macaques, over 180 recorded species of resident and migratory avifauna including the Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Emerald Dove, and Ceylon Frogmouth, perennial jungle streams and crystal clear forest brooks feeding regional agriculture, valuable hardwood timber stands of rosewood, teak, and wild bamboo, and rich herbal repositories sheltering over 400 species of documented Ayurvedic medicinal plants.

It represents a rich wilderness, conservation, and eco tourism sanctuary where Western Ghats biodiversity preservation, ethical wildlife trekking trails, sacred grove (Kavu) protection, and peaceful rural nature unite in Kinanoor Karinthalam and Balal grama panchayats.

Located along the Kanhangad Parappa-Panathur highway, it sits just 22 km from Kanhangad Railway Station (KZE), 24 km from Nileshwar (NLE), 42 km from Kasaragod, and 85 km from Mangalore International Airport (IXE), easily accessible by KSRTC forest route buses, jeep safaris, and private vehicles.

The Western Ghats Elephant Migration Corridor

The Parappa forest tract acts as an essential migratory pathway for wild elephant herds traveling between the Brahmagiri foothills and coastal forest patches.

Kerala Forest Department check posts and anti poaching watchers actively patrol these dense tracts to ensure peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local farmers.

Truth is, early morning walks along the buffer zone trails while mist hangs over the bamboo canopies and hornbills call in the distance is intensely refreshing.

Medicinal Flora & Sacred Grove Conservation

Ayurvedic Botanical Wealth: The forest undergrowth is rich in rare herbal roots, wild ginger, wild pepper, and medicinal tree barks used in traditional healing.

Kavu Ecosystems: Several ancient sacred groves border the sanctuary, preserving virgin evergreen flora through traditional community worship.

Eco Trails, Birdwatching & Rubber Plantations

Guided Nature Walks: Forest department guides conduct day nature walks through designated buffer zone trails for student groups and birders.

Rubber & Spice Plantations: The buffer zones feature lush pepper, cardamom, and rubber estates showcasing traditional hill farming.

After exploring the wilderness trails of Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the 32 acre Kareem's Forest Park nearby, trek the cool heights of Kottancheri Hills, or tour the 17th century Bekal Fort in Kasaragod.