STORIES by HEARITAGE

Every city has a breathing space that keeps its spirit alive, and in Kozhikode, that oasis is the serene Sarovaram Bio Park. More than just a garden, this eco-rich haven is a living biosphere, one of the 27 identified wetlands of India, and the only one of its kind in Kerala. Opened to the public in 2008, Sarovaram has since become a sanctuary for birdwatchers, nature lovers, children, families, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone seeking tranquility. Styled in traditional Kerala architecture, the park welcomes you through a beautifully crafted gateway of red laterite bricks and terracotta tiles, setting the tone for the green world that awaits inside.

What makes Sarovaram truly special is its location along the historic Canoly Canal, once an important waterway of Kozhikode. The 200-acre wetland area is a thriving hub for diverse flora and fauna, with mangroves, rare plants, colorful butterflies, and migratory birds, all coexisting in a delicate ecosystem. The butterfly park, with its vibrant fluttering wings, adds a magical touch to the landscape.

Interestingly, this lush sanctuary exists today only because concerned citizens stood up for nature. Once proposed as a garbage dumping yard, the area was saved thanks to strong protests by environmental activists. Their persistence gifted Kozhikode a green jewel instead of a landfill.

For visitors, the charm of Sarovaram lies in its simplicity: early-morning joggers breathing in fresh air, wooded walkways ideal for quiet strolls, boating on calm waters, shaded benches for peaceful moments, and signboards identifying indigenous trees and plants, making the park an open-air classroom.

Sarovaram Bio Park is not just a tourist spot it is a reminder of how nature thrives when protected, and how cities flourish when they choose greenery over concrete. A visit here is truly a journey into the soothing lap of nature.