Amid the jungles of the Western Ghats is one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala - the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.  Located at a distance of 45 kms east of Kannur, the sanctuary is spread across an area of 55 sqkms. Tropical evergreen, tropical semi-evergreen, south Indian moist deciduous, and hilltop evergreen forests and plantations are the various kinds of forest cover found here.

Home to over 23 species of animals and 150 species of birds, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for any nature lover. Sambar deer, Elephant, Lion-tailed Macaque, Boar, the Common Langur, wild dog, Common Otter and the Malabar Giant Squirrel are some of the common sights here. There have also been sightings of tigers and bison as well. Among the bird species found here, eight of them come under the group of globally threatened species of birds. Some of the endangered species of birds found here include the Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Blue-winged Parakeet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill and Ceylon Frogmouth. The Speckled piculet, Forest Eagle-Owl, Oriental Darter, and Hen Harrier (a migrant bird from Europe and Central Asia) were also spotted here during a survey. 

One of the most picturesque locations in Kannur, the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary also offers visitors a plethora of trekking trails to choose from. 

On the Meenmutty trail, you will be trekking into the depths of the forests to the Meenmutty waterfalls. The first pitstop on this trail is the Pothenplavu Watchtower which gives you a bird’s eye view of the fascinating forest cover of Aralam. This watchtower is a favourite spot for bird watchers as it gives them the perfect vantage point wherefrom to get sightings of hornbills, minarets and much more. The best time to see the Meenmutty Waterfalls is during the Monsoon season for it is then that the waters will gush forth in full form. The Ambalappara trail takes up to three days to complete for it will take you all the way to the Ambalappara watchtower. The trek to Meenmutty on the other hand is much easier and shorter. Every year there are also around 50-60 nature camps conducted here for spreading awareness among the public and especially amid school children. 

The terrain of the sanctuary ranges from an elevation of 50 metres to 1145 meters above sea level. In the region, the highest point is the Katti Betta peak which is 1145 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is nourished by several different rivers and streams including the Cheenkannipuzha, Narikkadavu thodu, Kurukkathodu, River Aralam and Meenumuttithodu.  

The most astonishing sight of all, at this sanctuary, and its biggest highlight is the sight of the beautiful natural phenomenon of butterfly migration that occurs here with the onset of the northeast monsoons in the state. It is believed that the migratory butterflies use the Ghats for breeding during the winter-summer period and their progeny return to the plains around April. This helps them avoid the extreme monsoon conditions during their life span. 

Yet another attraction that makes this destination famous is the famous Central State Farm, a Government of India initiative that was built in 1971 and is based in the Aralam village. This is one of the main centres that produce hybrid coconut seeds in the country. This vibrant, lush green farm also has cashew nut groves, coconut palm groves and many more such plantations making it a very interesting point for a visit so please be sure to drop by.