Calicut University Botanical Garden notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site, a first among universities in Kerala

6 November 2026

The Calicut University Botanical Garden at Thenhipalam has been formally recognised as a Biodiversity Heritage Site through a gazette notification. The garden is the first such heritage site among universities in Kerala. The garden had been declared a heritage site earlier, and the notification now makes the status formal. The protected area is 33 acres: the 19.5 acres of the garden plus an adjoining 13.5-acre forest patch, which will stay under permanent protection. The notification followed an assessment by experts, including members of the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. The garden, opened in 1972, holds a rich collection of rare plants, with a ginger farm and a forest trail. The status is expected to help it get conservation funds from the Centre, the State and other agencies.