Nedumkayam Rainforest

Nedumkayam Rainforest is a dense tropical evergreen forest located about 18 km from Nilambur in Malappuram district, Kerala, within the Nilambur forest division and the Western Ghats. Noted for its rich biodiversity, towering teak and rosewood trees, and the Chaliyar River flowing through it, it is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The forest is known for its pristine wilderness, wildlife sightings and guided trekking experiences managed by the Kerala Forest Department.

Visitors can expect a dense, undisturbed evergreen forest with tall teak, rosewood and bamboo groves, intersected by the Chaliyar River. The area is accessed via a forest check post and explored on foot with a guide along designated trails. Expect tranquil forest paths, bird calls, occasional wildlife sightings, a wooden bridge and viewpoints over the river, and a remote wilderness setting with limited commercial development.

Nedumkayam is part of the Nilambur forests historically developed under British colonial forestry. Nearby Conolly's Plot, established in 1846 by H.V. Conolly, is recognized as the world's oldest artificial teak plantation and laid the foundation for scientific teak cultivation in India. The surrounding forests have been managed by the Kerala Forest Department since then.

The forest region is home to indigenous tribal communities including the Cholanaikkan, one of the particularly vulnerable tribal groups of Kerala, who have traditionally inhabited the Nilambur forest area. The forest holds significance for local communities for its natural resources and traditional knowledge systems.