Karimpuzha Wild Life Sanctuary is the 18th Wildlife Sanctuary and 24th Protected Area of the State and the first Wild Life Sancuary in Malappuram District. The name ‘Karimpuzha’ is derived from the Karimpuzha river, a tributary of the river Chaliyar. located on the western slopes of Nilgiris, lies between the geographical limits of N 11o23’15’’to 11o12’43’’ latitudes and E 76o22’37’’ to 76o33’2’’ longitudes and falls in the Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram Revenue District in Kerala. Karimpuzha WLS area forms part of the revenue villages of Karulai, Moothedam and Amarambalam. The sharp topographical gradient of the hills ranging from 40m to 2550m is the primary reason for the unique biodiversity of the Karimpuzha Wild Life Sanctuary.

The area merges with landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Steep hills, deep valleys, marshy lands, grasslands and shola forests with hillocks, perennial water sources combined with altitudinal variations make it an ideal habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The area also supports several endemic and many endangered species.