Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest animal reserve in Kerala.

The sanctuary has two sections – Muthanga and Tholpetty.

The forests are contiguous with Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka.

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the district of Wayanad, is situated towards the southern part of Kerala. This sanctuary is home to a lot of wild animals and some rare and almost endangered species of birds. Wild elephants are a common sight and a tusker racing you on the road cannot be ruled out. Bisons, deer, wild dogs are also easy to spot. Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary, which is about 25 kms from Mananthavady is rich in wildlife as well. Another name for this sanctuary is the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary.  The entire area is covered with lush and green forests and natural vegetation that is compatible with the climate that is prevailing here. Adivasis, a section of the tribal community in Kerala, are found in the largest number within the dense growth of the forests. The entire area of sanctuary is spread over a sprawling area of 2126sq.km. Currently, the Wayanad sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Located on the road connecting Mysore to Sultan Battery, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its amazing collection of flora and fauna.

Wildlife

Flora
Some of the exciting species of flora found here are chadachi, bamboos, rosewood, maruthi, karimaruthi, veteriaindica, lagerstroemia, terminaliapaniculata and lanceolata.

Fauna
Some of the common species of animals found here are elephants, tigers, deers, bears, bison, wild dogs, civet cats, monkeys, monitor lizards, snakes, panthers and more.

Avifauna
The huge variety of avifauna species found here are owls, cuckoos, jungle fowls, woodpeckers, peacocks, babblers and a lot of other varieties of birds.

Activities to Do
Trekking, jeep safaris, rafting, visiting the Ayurvedic Centre at Kannur etc. are some of the activities  that tourists can indulge in, while they are in the sanctuary.

Administration of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Currently, the Kerala Forest Department takes care of the administration of the activities in the sanctuary. The areas covered under this sanctuary along with the bigger area of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve have been recommended to be considered as a World Heritage Site.

Attraction in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Edakkal Caves: Situated at an an altitude of 4600 ft above sea level, these prehistoric caves are just 12 kms from Sultan Battery. It is a rock shelter formed naturally out of three huge boulders, one resting on the other two. The exotic ancient carvings and scripts at Edakkal caves speak of a civilized society of prehistoric age.

Kuruva Dweep: Kuruva Dweep is a group of islets in the river Kabini along the northeast border of Wayanad district. Kuruva is only 45 km away from Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad district. These islands present a unique ecosystem, a treasure house of rare flora and fauna.

Thodikalam Shiva Temple: A temple built during Mahabharata days. The exterior of this temple is decorated with exquisite paintings done about 500 years before Ramayana period.

How to Reach
By Air
The Karipur International airport, located at Kozhikode, at a distance of about 125 km, is the nearest airport to this place.
By Rail
Kozhikode railway junction, at a distance of 100 km, is the nearest railway station to this place. This is well-connected with all the important cities of Kerala.
By Road
Lots of buses are operated from important places like Kozhikode, Cochin, Alappuzha etc. to Wayanad on a daily basis. From here, it is very easy to reach this famous sanctuary.