There are many interesting places in Kannur that attracts tourists. Aralam wild life sanctuary is one of them. If you are a nature lover, do not skip visiting Aralam if you are in Kannur. This is the only wildlife reserve forest on the district. This forest lies 54km away from Kannur town. If you are coming from Kannur, you can take the Thalassery-kuthuparamb road to reach here. The name Aralam derives from the word ‘aaru’ which means river in Malayalam. This beautiful forest lies locked between the Western Ghats and the aralam river. The region is breath takingly beautiful with its farm and the forest reserve. The delta from the Bavali river makes the soil rich and fertile. Tributaries of the Valapattanam river like the Cheenkanni river and many other streams and creeks flow throw the Aralam forest area and its border regions. The Aralam wildlife sanctuary is spread over an area of 55 square kilometres of land. Situated in the valley of Western Ghats, this fascinating forest has Aralam, Kottiyoor and Kelakam villages on its border. Visitors might get a chance to see wild animals like elephant, forest boar, deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild cats and many other animals. The ideal time to visit here is during September to May. The visiting time is from 8am to 4pm only. The forest presents a different yet spectacular view of diverse plants and trees. It’s an amazing experience to see these flora and fauna. The lovely brooks flowing through the forest with its pristine water is a sight to behold. Aralam wildlife sanctuary is in the southern slope of the Western Ghats. The Cheenkanni river that flows in the south with its ice-cold water even during summer and the Brahmagiri hills in the east shares a border with Aralam forest.
