Hills & Nature
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Kannur's only wildlife sanctuary, in the foothills of the Western Ghats.
- 22.4 km from Nesma Palace
- 34 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for nature lovers, birdwatchers and families with older children
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 22.4 km
- Drive time
- 34 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- A full day
- Category
- Hills & Nature
- Ideal for
- Nature lovers, birdwatchers and families with older children
About Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Aralam is the only wildlife sanctuary in Kannur district, spread over forested hills in the foothills of the Western Ghats on the Kerala-Karnataka side. It protects elephants, deer, and a wide range of birds and butterflies, and it is well known among naturalists for its annual butterfly gathering.
Access is through the forest department, and the interior is reached by their vehicles. It is a genuine slice of Western Ghats forest close to the hotel.
Things to see and do
Forest and wildlife
Elephants, deer, birds and butterflies in Western Ghats foothill forest.
Butterfly season
Aralam is known for a large seasonal gathering of butterflies, usually toward the end of the year.
Guided access
The sanctuary interior is entered through the forest department, so plan the visit with them.
Best time and tips
October to March. Butterfly season is usually around the year's end, and the sanctuary may close during the monsoon.
- Arrange entry through the forest department in advance.
- Interior access is by their vehicles, not your own.
- Carry water and wear closed shoes.
- Check whether it is open, as forest areas close seasonally.
Local tip
Permits and guides are arranged at the entrance, start early, the gate closes well before dusk.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
22.4 km · about 34 min
- Time to allow there
- A full day
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 34 min away at Nesma Palace
Aralam is about 34 minutes from Nesma Palace, one of the closest ways to reach real Western Ghats forest from the hotel.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Make a day of it · Full day
Dams, Forests & Hills
The eastern half of the district, and the side of Kannur most visitors never see. Everything here is closer to Nesma Palace than it is to Kannur town.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
18 km · 19 min drive
Pazhassi Dam & Gardens26.8 km · 28 min drive
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary (you are here)
15.5 km · 16 min drive
Kottiyoor Temple
Frequently asked questions
What can you see at Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary?
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Elephants, deer, and many birds and butterflies in Western Ghats foothill forest. Aralam is especially known for a seasonal butterfly gathering.
How do you visit Aralam sanctuary?
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Access to the interior is arranged through the forest department, usually in their vehicles. Check timings and seasonal closures before you go.
Where to stay near Aralam sanctuary?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 34 minutes away, one of the closest bases for a forest trip in Kannur.