Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary

Kottiyoor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area in Kannur district, Kerala, featuring several types of forest vegetation and varying elevations across the terrain. The woodland transitions between dense canopy and more open spaces, creating a diverse landscape that shifts as you move through it.

The area was officially designated as a protected sanctuary in 2011, becoming part of a larger network of protected forest zones in South India. This official status made the management and safeguarding of the forests a priority for regional authorities.

The name comes from local water sources and geographical features recognized by people in the area for generations. Daily life here is tied to the forest through traditional practices and a respect for nature that runs deep in the community.

Visitors need a permit to enter the sanctuary, so it is best to arrange the necessary documents before arrival. Access is available from nearby towns, and you should bring proper hiking gear and sturdy shoes since trails pass through wooded terrain with varying elevations.

The sanctuary is home to rare animal species such as flying squirrels and small primates that are perfectly adapted to forest life. These creatures are difficult to spot, but those who walk the trails regularly sometimes catch glimpses of them moving through their natural habitats.