Snapshot and Quick Facts
| Location | Northeastern Kannur district, Kerala; nearest town Iritty |
| Area & Landscape | 55 sq. km of moist deciduous–evergreen forest and shola patches on Western Ghats’ lower slopes |
| Highest point | Katti Betta (~1,145 m) inside sanctuary ranges |
| Famous for | Peaceful forest drives, birding, butterflies, Malabar giant squirrel, chance elephant/gaur sightings |
| Typical visitor window | About 8:00 AM to 4:30/5:00 PM (eco‑tourism counters; trails close earlier) |
| Best months | Oct–Mar (clearer skies); Jun–Sep is lush but rainy with leeches |
| Who it suits | Families, couples, nature lovers and birders; trekkers can book guided full‑day hikes with permits |
| Network/ATMs | Mobile signal is patchy inside forest; better at Iritty/Aralam Farm. Carry some cash. |
Getting There from Kannur/Coorg/Calicut
- From Kannur city: ~50-60 km (1.5-2 hours). Way via Mattannur – Iritty – Aralam. Get an early start to bird activity in the morning.
- From Thalassery: 45-55 km (1.5-2 hours) through Kuthuparamba – Iritty.
- Madikeri (Coorg): in Madikeri, 2-2.5 hours, by car and bus, via Virajpet – Iritty, ID needed in case of inter-state checkpoints.
- From Kozhikode/Calicut, approx. 115-130 km (3.5-4.5 hours) via Koyilandy/Thalassery side depending on the traffic.
- Nearest bus hub is Iritty. KSRTC/private buses frequently travel to Iritty, take an auto/cab to sanctuary gate/eco-tourism counter.
Entry, Booking and Daily Timings
- Entry and Permits: Permitted by Kerala Forest & Wildlife Dept. (Aralam Wildlife Division). For guided experience (waterfall walk, nature trail, jeep drop to authorised points) please visit the official eco-tourism counter or pre-book if the site/phone booking is available for the date.
- Container limits: Low quantities per batch in order to minimise disturbance. Sections might be temporarily closed during monsoon or on elephant movement.
- Estimates of time and cost (always cheque the board for the day)
| Activity/Service | Typical Window | Indicative Fee (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sanctuary day entry (adult) | 8:00 AM–4:30 PM | ₹30–100 |
| Meenmutty Waterfalls (Aralam) walk | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM last entry | ₹50–150 |
| Short guided nature trail | Morning batches | ₹150–300 per person |
| Jeep transfer to viewpoints | Based on demand | ₹800–1,800 per jeep |
| Full‑day trek (permit) | Pre‑book only | As per programme |
One‑Day Itinerary (Two Practical Options)
| 7:00–7:30 AM | Start from Kannur/Thalassery; breakfast near Iritty |
| 8:30 AM | Entry formalities; pick up basic programme (waterfall + short trail) |
| 9:00–10:30 AM | Meenmutty Waterfalls (Aralam): shaded forest walk, small pools, photo time |
| 10:45–11:30 AM | Short stop at river viewpoint or bamboo groves for photos |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch at Iritty/Aralam market (veg meals/snacks) |
| 1:30–3:00 PM | Optional: quick birding by the edge roads, butterfly garden (if open), or a second walk |
| 3:15–4:30 PM | Exit towards Iritty; tea and local banana chips stop |
| 6:00–7:00 PM | Return to base |
Quick Planner: Distances, Time and Typical Costs
| Kannur → Aralam gate | 50–60 km; 1.5–2 hrs | Via Mattannur → Iritty |
| Thalassery → Aralam | 45–55 km; 1.5–2 hrs | Via Kuthuparamba |
| Madikeri (Coorg) → Aralam | 60–70 km; 2–2.5 hrs | Inter‑state route via Virajpet |
| Entry + parking (car + 2 adults) | ₹150–300 | Based on posted rates |
| Waterfall walk + guide (2 pax) | ₹200–500 | Group sharing reduces per‑head |
| Jeep to viewpoint (optional) | ₹800–1,800 per jeep | Depends on route/batch |
| Meals (per person, Iritty) | ₹120–300 | Simple Kerala veg meals/snacks |
| Cab day trip (Kannur ↔ Aralam) | ₹2,800–4,800 | Vehicle/season decide rate |
| Total day budget | ₹2,000–4,500 | Transport is the big chunk |
Food, Facilities and What to Carry
- Food: No large restaurants within the forest Food at Iritty/Aralam market – Veg “meals” for lunch is cheap, thattu kadka for snacks/tea.
- Facilities: Parking at gate, basic toilets by eco-tourism counter; bring tissues and hand sanitiser.
- What to carry:
Government ID, cash for tickets, phone and offline maps
Closed-toe shoes (grip); extra socks in monsoon (leeches)
Light rain jacket/poncho, cap, sunscreen.
1-2 water bottles; never single use plastic
binoculars and a small day pack
Wildlife, Weather and Driving Safety
- Sanctuary etiquette: Silence, follow designated trails, and follow with your guide Never feed monkeys, or toss food waste.
- Elephant Safety: Wait in the vehicle when told to do so; never crowd or take pictures up close to elephants.
- Weather: Summer is hot and dry; monsoon is heavy with showers and slippery rocks around streams
- Driving: Approaching roads are good but narrow in places. Horn should be used next to blind curves and parking should be placed in designated bays.
Do’s and Don’ts for First‑Timers
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Reach early to catch bird activity and cooler weather | Don’t enter water near falls when current is strong |
| Book guided activities at the eco‑tourism counter | Don’t play loud music or litter—fines apply |
| Wear neutral colours and proper shoes | Don’t cross ropes or step off‑trail for photos |
| Keep children close near streams and edges | Don’t carry alcohol or drones inside forest areas |
| Check rain forecast and carry a small poncho | Don’t expect zoo‑like wildlife sightings; patience is key |
