Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve

Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community Reserve is India's first riverfront community reserve, established in 2007 at the estuary where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea. Spanning 1.5 square kilometers across Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, it protects mangrove swamps and wetland habitats. The reserve is a critical wintering ground for over 60 migratory bird species and supports diverse aquatic life including otters and turtles.

Visitors can expect a serene ecotourism experience centered around non-motorized boat rides through dense mangrove forests. The reserve offers opportunities to observe over 180 bird species, including migratory waterfowl like terns, gulls, and plovers, as well as resident kingfishers. The landscape features mudflats, estuarine channels, and small islands, providing a tranquil setting for nature photography and wildlife spotting guided by local community members.