New Amarambalam Reserved Forest, Protected forest area in Malappuram District, Kerala, India
New Amarambalam Reserved Forest is a protected area in Malappuram District, Kerala, covering a range of terrain from lowland forest to high mountain ridges along the Western Ghats. The land moves through several vegetation zones, from dense tropical forest to montane woodland, all within a single continuous stretch of protected land.
The area was designated a reserved forest in 2003 when authorities moved to formally protect this part of the Western Ghats. It also forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which had already been recognized by UNESCO before this designation.
The forests around Amarambalam have long been home to indigenous communities whose traditional knowledge of the land is still present today. Walking through the area, you can sense how deeply this relationship between people and forest runs.
Entry to the forest is via the Nedumkayam-Nilambur Road, and a permit from the Forest Department office in Nilambur is required before visiting. It is worth contacting the office well in advance, as conditions and access rules can vary depending on the time of year.
The forest borders the Nilambur Valley, which is known for having some of the oldest teak plantations in the world, and in places you can see the sharp line where planted teak gives way to wild forest. This contrast makes the transition between managed land and protected forest unusually visible to anyone walking the area.
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