The short answer
Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary: what visitors should know first
Go if you want green hills, a reservoir and a quiet day away from the coast, and you are happy with a long drive. Treat it as a day trip to the Peruvannamuzhi side, check what is open before leaving, and do not enter forest without forest-department permission.
History and context
The story behind Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary
The Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 2010 in Chakkittapara and Koorachundu villages of Koyilandy taluk, Kozhikode district. It covers about 74 sq km along the Western Ghats and is administered by the Department of Forests and Wildlife, Kerala.
The sanctuary includes the Peruvannamuzhi area, where the Kuttiyadi irrigation project dam was built on the Kuttiyadi river. Kerala's eco-tourism project at Peruvannamuzhi was inaugurated on 10 August 2008.
Useful facts
Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary facts at a glance
- Location
- Chakkittapara and Koorachundu, Koyilandy taluk, Kozhikode district
- Experience type
- Forest day trip with lake, boating and controlled treks
- Known for
- Western Ghats forest, Peruvannamuzhi reservoir, elephants and rare plants
- Established
- 2010; about 74 sq km
- Time or schedule
- Hours not published centrally; confirm before you go
Why it matters
Why Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is worth your time
The Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 2010 and covers about 74 sq km of Western Ghats forest in Chakkittapara and Koorachundu villages of Koyilandy taluk. It is managed by the Kerala forest department, forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and the Wayanad Elephant Reserve, and is classed as a habitat and species management area.
For travellers it is the nearest large stretch of forest to Kozhikode, and a contrast to the city's beaches and markets. The Peruvannamuzhi eco-tourism area, opened in 2008, gives controlled access to the edge of that forest through boating, short walks and birdwatching. It is a useful day out for anyone who wants to see inland Malabar, not only the coast.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Peruvannamuzhi reservoir
The most accessible part of the sanctuary, with speedboat and rowboat rides and picnic spots along the shore.
- 02
Forest on the Western Ghats
Over 680 species of rare plants are reported, and the hills hold elephants, gaur and other large mammals.
- 03
Crocodile farm and snake park
Short, family-friendly stops near the dam, useful when children cannot manage treks.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Start early and plan the trip around Peruvannamuzhi, the village and dam on the Kuttiyadi river that forms the most accessible part of the sanctuary. The drive from Kozhikode is about 60 km and takes roughly two hours on hill roads, so a car with a driver is the practical option. Once there, the reservoir is the main attraction: speedboat and rowboat rides are available, and the shore has picnic spots with views of forested hills.
The area also has a crocodile farm, a snake park and a spice garden, and Kerala Tourism lists forest treks and birdwatching. Treks usually need prior arrangement, a guide and forest-department permission, so enquire on arrival or beforehand rather than assuming you can walk in. The broader sanctuary is home to elephants, gaur, leopards and, reportedly, tigers, but sightings in a day visit are unlikely.
Carry water, snacks and insect repellent, because food options near the dam are limited. Check the day's opening status first, since some listings mention closures on Sundays and national holidays that are not confirmed by an official source.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm what is open and the day's timings before leaving Kozhikode
- Do not enter forest areas without forest-department permission
- Carry water, snacks and repellent; food near the dam is limited
- Start early; hill roads are slow and the return drive is long
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kuttiyadi hills, Chakkittapara and Koorachundu, about 60 km (roughly 2 hours) from Kozhikode
- Time needed
- Full day including the drive
- Best time
- Post-monsoon months, October to February; avoid heavy rain
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The drive is long and winding, but the lakeside area near Peruvannamuzhi is mostly level. Forest treks are uneven and not suited to anyone with limited stamina, and facilities inside the forest are minimal. Ask about the boat before you commit.
- Tickets and access
- Fees, timings and trek permissions are not published centrally; confirm with the forest office or the eco-tourism counter at Peruvannamuzhi. Entering reserved forest without prior permission is an offence under Kerala forest law.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The drive is long and winding, but the lakeside area near Peruvannamuzhi is mostly level. Forest treks are uneven and not suited to anyone with limited stamina, and facilities inside the forest are minimal. Ask about the boat before you commit.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can visitors enter the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary freely?
Only the tourist areas, mainly at Peruvannamuzhi. Entering reserved forest without prior forest-department permission is an offence, so arrange treks through the forest office.
How far is it from Kozhikode?
Peruvannamuzhi is about 60 km from the city, roughly two hours by road.
What can you do there?
Boating on the reservoir, picnic spots, a crocodile farm, a snake park, a spice garden, and guided treks and birdwatching arranged through the forest authorities.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
