Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kannur

The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq kms of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level.

Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Herds of deer, elephant, boar and bison are common sights. Leopards, jungle cats and various types of squirrels are also seen here.

It is the northern most wildlife sanctuary of Kerala. It was established in 1984. The headquarters of the sanctuary is near Irutty, a small town about 55 kms from Kannur. Aralam lies between north latitude 11°50' and 11° 52' and east longitude 75° 49' and 75° 57'.
The temperature at the foothills varies from 21° C to 40°C and at the higher reaches from 8°C to 25°C. There are about 490 ha of teak and eucalyptus plantations within the forest area.

In the evergreen areas the following species are found: vellapine (Vateria indica), Mesua ferrea, Mechilus macrantha, Calophyllum elatum, Cullenia rosayroona, Magnifera indica, Toona cillata, Myristica Species, Euphorbia Longana, Strobilanthes. The common trees in the semievergreen areas are Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Hopea parviflora, Largestroemia lanceolata, Xyliaxylocarpa, Mallotus, Philippinensis.

Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.