Subhasis Banerjee

BEGUR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Situated atop a mountainous plateau of the Western Ghats , this wildlife sanctuary is situated in the Wayanad district of north Kerala. Since this virgin forest stretch remained out of the prowl of human civilization for quite some time, the sanctuary reflects some astonishing wealth of flora and fauna. However, historians and anthropologists are of the opinion that the place was a bustling seat of human civilization some ten centuries before Christ. Accessibility : One reaches the sanctuary by driving 108kms northwest of Kozhikode. Kozhikode is very well connected by air, road and rail. Accommodation : There are Hotels and Resorts in Sultan Battery, which is nearby. Season : November to June.

 ARALAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY This small sanctuary of 55 sq km is situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats and consists of tropical semi-evergreen forests and undulating forested highlands flaunting a rich variety flora and fauna. This sanctuary’s impressive wildlife population consists of Leopard, Jungle Cat, Elephant, Deer, Wild Boar, Bison and a variety of Squirrels. Katti Betta, with an altitude of 1145 meters, is the highest peak in this mountainous forest stretch. Accessibility : Driving 60kms from Kannur, one reaches this sanctuary. Kannur is well connected by road and rail and is only 72kms from Kozhikode . The town can be accessed also from Mangalore of Karnataka, which is 130kms away.   Accommodation : Standard Hotels are available in Kannur. Season : November to June.