The sanctuary area falls in Aralam, Kelakam and Kottiyoor revenue villages and is located in the northwest slopes of Western Ghats contiguous with the forests of Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka state.

It was formed by carving out areas from the Odanthode Malavaram of Thalassery special division which was an erstwhile private forest, subsequently taken over by Govt.

Rainfall data available in the Central State Farm, Aralam, which is just adjoining to the sanctuary area has been analysed.

In specialised localities, in the higher reaches (where there are no rain gauges), the rainfall goes as high as over 6000 mm.

The retreating monsoon though less pronounced, is an important source of moisture in October, November and December, which constitutes 14% of the total.

The spread of rainy days across time (around the year) is a crucial determining factor in the plant growth.

Strong winds of dry nature blow from September to April, causing dryness in the locality with the result there is a fire hazard, especially in the deciduous forests.