ECOTOURISM IN ARALAM

Aralam wildlife sanctuary is the only protected area in Kannur District and is the northern
most sanctuary in Kerala. This sanctuary  is supporting a variety of animal and plant
communities exhibiting incredible diversity. Due to the altitudinal variations the
sanctuary represent the only compact sub type viz: the Dipterocarpus –Mesua-Palaquin
sub type in Kerala. Wayanad – Brahmagiri and the protected areas in the Karnataka state
namely the Bharamagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and also contiguous to the forests of Coorg
(Kodagu) and assumes much importance  in Meta population management. The
magnificent Meenmutty waterfalls which is comparable to the Athirapally waterfalls of
Kerala is an added attraction to the sanctuary.
The department of tourism had sanctioned the following programmes for the
implementation of ecotourism programmes in the sanctuary.
The developments proposed in a border way
1. Developing nature Trails,
2. Providing outreach and factual information materials at interpretation center,
Formation of trek path,
3. Imparting training to tribal youth in Ecotourism,
4. Display of publicity boards and hoardings in important places.
The developments already done
1. A Nakshtravanam at Pookund and a suspension bridge to access it,
2. Toilet facilities at Valayamchal,
3. Nature trail at Valayamchal with tree labeling along the nature trail,
4. Bathing Ghat facility at Nerikadavu,
5. Bamboo raft boat at Nerikadavu and Corocle boating,
6. Tree huts at Pariputhodu and Bhoothamkallu,
7. Awareness boards on conservation in many places,
8. Steps to stream at Memutty with handrail and viewpoint,
9. An entrance gate and ticket counter at Valayamchal.