Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

About this place

Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary is the northernmost wildlife sanctuary of Kerala, located in Kannur district in southwest India. Spread across an area of 55 square kilometres, the sanctuary lies on the western slope of the Western Ghats, one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots known for its rich flora and fauna. The sanctuary was established in 1984 with its headquarters located near Iritty, and it was originally known as Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Surrounded by lush evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, rolling hills, streams, and diverse vegetation, the sanctuary forms an important ecological zone that supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. The region is especially famous for its large diversity of butterflies, which thrive in the warm climate and the abundance of flowering plants and forest habitats found within the sanctuary. Because of this remarkable butterfly population, the area gradually gained recognition as a butterfly sanctuary and is now considered one of the important butterfly habitats in Kerala. Apart from butterflies, the sanctuary is also home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals including deer, monkeys, and occasionally elephants that move through the forest corridors of the Western Ghats. The sanctuary’s dense forest landscape also contains medicinal plants, rare tree species, and native vegetation that contribute to the ecological richness of the region. Visitors and nature enthusiasts often come to Aralam to enjoy nature trails, trekking, butterfly watching, wildlife observation, and photography, making it an attractive destination for eco-tourism in northern Kerala. The peaceful environment and scenic forest surroundings provide an excellent opportunity for researchers, students, and tourists to explore the biodiversity of the Western Ghats while learning about wildlife conservation and natural ecosystems. As the northernmost sanctuary in Kerala, Aralam plays an important role in protecting forest habitats and preserving the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats, while also offering visitors a chance to experience one of the most beautiful and biologically rich forest regions in the state.

🚆 Railway: Thalassery Railway Station (~45 km)

✈️ Airport: Kannur International Airport (~50 km)

🚌 Bus: Iritty Bus Stand (~20 km)

🏨 Stay: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Camp / Aralam Farm Guest House / Hotel Surya, Iritty

✅ Notes: Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is Kerala’s northernmost protected area, known for evergreen forests, the Meenmutty Waterfalls trail, diverse wildlife and the presence of the endangered lion-tailed macaque.