Community Reserve
An area declared by a state government where a community or an individual has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat, any private or community land not comprised within a national park, sanctuary or a conservation reserve, as community reserve for protecting fauna, flora and traditional or cultural conservation values and practices is called a community reserve.
Kadalundi Vallikkunu Community Reserve, India's first river front community reserve. We offer you a unique experience on the scenic Kadalundi River, boating through lush green mangrove patches, watching flocks of birds, schools of fish and life on idyllic islands, lined with swaying coconut palms.
This community reserve is a social forestry initiative to protect the river and its environs with participation of local people, and to promote sustainable tourism. Kadalundi River, touching the Kozhikode and Malappuram Districts, boasts of a history dating back to the 1st Century AD, when Greek traders came here, calling it Tyndis. Our experienced boatmen recall many riverine stories as they take you safely around, passing under rail, road and foot bridges. They will familiarise you with local flora and fauna, which includes eight species of mangroves, many varieties of fish, crabs, oysters, mussels, crustaceans and even otters, sighted with flooding and ebbing tides. You can chat up with islanders going about their daily chores or share pleasantries with fishermen in their little boats. You will also get to taste local cuisines, offered by eateries in the area.
Watching the sunset as flocks of birds fly past, is a mesmerising experience here. During the migrating season from November to March, you could spot winged visitors from far flung lands, mentioned by Dr. Salim Ali, the world renowned ornithologist. Even the trains that thunder past and aeroplanes that fly over the reserve offer a memorable sight.
The Kadalundi Vallikkunnu Community reserve, near Kadalundi Railway Station, is laid out with all essential amenities, like a boat jetty, waiting sheds, toilets and parking area. Few homestays are also coming up here. It is an ideal destination for tourists and nature lovers, who wish to protect the environment and help the local population. There are enough boats here, with adequate safety, catering to group tours for schools, colleges and other organisations. We also arrange nature study camp for students and enthusiasts, and assist organisations that wish to keep the area clean.
This community reserve is managed by a management committee, with guidance of the Kerala Forest Department, with the aim of all-round and sustainable development of people living aroui^Brithout impacting the ecology and environment. All the people, living within the reserve, are also equal stakeholders, keen to protect and preserve the river and its ecosystem.