Things To Do
in Aralam
Aralam sits in the northern Kerala hills within Kannur district, anchored by the lush Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. It blends forested peaks, spice plantations, and easy access to the coast, creating a quiet, verdant escape from busier hubs. Wildlife watching, treks, and authentic Malabar flavors define the experience here.
Visitors should expect a humid, rainforest-influenced climate, slow-paced village life, and spectacular vistas along the Western Ghats.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Kannur airport or railway station and enjoy a scenic transfer to your eco-lodge near Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. Check in, unpack, and freshen up before meeting your guide for a brief welcome session. Sip a refreshing herbal drink while learning about local flora and guest safety guidelines.
Enjoy a traditional Kerala-style lunch at the lodge featuring fresh vegetables and rice. Afterward, take a gentle orientation walk around the property to spot butterflies, birds, and small mammals. Conclude with an introduction to the sanctuary’s history and conservation efforts.
Watch the sun dip behind the Western Ghats as you sip locally brewed tea on the lodge veranda. Attend a short cultural presentation on tribal heritage and folklore. End the evening stargazing by a campfire with light snacks and stories.
Rise early for a guided jeep safari into Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary’s core zone, home to elephants, deer, and leopards. Listen to your naturalist explain animal tracking signs and calls echoing through the forest. Pause at a scenic vantage point for tea and local banana fritters.
Return to the lodge for a hearty lunch of Kerala curry, fish fry, and steamed rice. After resting, head back for a slow forest walk on designated trails, scanning for endemic birds and rare plants. Your guide will share insights on medicinal herbs used by local tribes.
Enjoy an evening documentary screening on Kerala’s wildlife and tribal communities. Later, take a short nocturnal walk around the lodge perimeter to spot civets and tree frogs. Wind down with a light supper under lantern light.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-7 |
| 🚆Local transport one-way | $0.5-1.5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🎟️Entrance fees to attractions | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich Malabar cuisine and spice heritage
- Forest and wildlife experiences near the sanctuary
- Quiet coastal towns with authentic Kerala culture
- Limited nightlife and occasional rain can affect outdoor plans
- Longer travel times from major metros
- Smaller-scale infrastructure in remote forest zones
- "Namaskaaram" - Hello
- "Nanni" - Thank you
- "Dayavittu" - Please
- "Ithu entha?" - What is this?
- "Nammal English-anu" - We speak English
- "NingalEke vannu?" - Are you from here?
Places to Visit in Aralam
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic sea-facing fort with panoramic sunsets and sweeping coastal views.
One of Asia’s longest beaches; ideal for driveway shots, silhouettes at dusk, and long-exposure waves.
Lush backwaters with houseboats and narrow canals for reflective water photography.
High vantage points and misty mornings offer forest canopies and wildlife photography opportunities.
Food in Aralam
Aralam Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A breakfast staple often served with coconut chutney or curry.
Must-Try!
Coconut-rich, tangy fish curry with tamarind and spices.
Spicy mussel fry, a Malabar specialty enjoyed with rice.
A fragrant, layered biryani from the Malabar coast.
Tapioca served with a hearty fish curry—a coastal comfort dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub for spices, coconuts, fresh produce, and street snacks.
Traditional stalls offering biryani ingredients, bananas, and seafood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with Namaskaram (palms joined). Speak with a polite tone and respectful distance.
Dress modestly and remove shoes before temple entry; follow posted guidelines and avoid photography where prohibited.
Ask before photographing people, keep noise to a minimum at markets and sacred sites, and be mindful of local customs around festivals.
Safety
Tipping in Aralam
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 5-10% is customary if service charge isn’t included. Small tips to hotel staff or drivers are appreciated but not required.
Cash remains common; cards and digital payments (UPI, wallets) are increasingly accepted in towns and hotels.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers; hydrate, wear light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Heavy rainfall and high humidity; roads can be slippery and some trails may close. Pack rain gear and plan flexible itineraries.
Pleasant and cooler; wildlife viewing improves and evenings are comfortable. Short, sporadic showers can occur.
Aralam at Night
Hiking in Aralam
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trail through sanctuary area with forest canopy views and potential wildlife sightings.
Ridge walk offering expansive forest views and occasional tea plantation scenery.
Airports
How to reach Aralam by plane.
Located near Mattanur; serves domestic flights and limited international routes; road transfer to Aralam varies with traffic.
Kozhikode airport; larger hub about 3-4 hours by road to Kannur region; alternative option for international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Kerala; rich language, cuisine, and customs.
A significant presence in coastal towns and inland areas, contributing to local culture and cuisine.
Diverse religious groups with temples, churches, and festivals across Kannur and Aralam.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local matches are common in towns.
Popular in schools and community grounds; weekend games are common.
Traditional Kerala martial art; demonstrations and classes are sometimes available for visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aralam.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common: look for avial, thoran, sambar, rasam, and coconut-based gravies.
Most dishes use rice or curry without wheat; specify if you need gluten-free preparations.
Inform staff of shellfish or peanut allergies; carry a card with ingredients when visiting markets.