Explore Wayanad

With 26% forest cover, far greater than any other district in Kerala, Wayanad is home to two major wildlife reserves: Muthanga and Tholpetty. Taken together, these two sanctuaries are home to an incredible range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. As part of the Western Ghats, they constitute an important swathe of the last surviving tracts of a unique ecosystem. For wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers Wayanad’s wildlife sanctuaries are must visit destinations.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve , which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest. Elephant, spotted deer. Bison, tiger, cheetah, wild bear etc. can be spotted here. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest department.

Spread over avast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Region. Located 18 kms East of Sultan Bathery, it is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103kms.) in Karnataka and Mudumalai Sanctuary (123kms.) in Tamil Nadu.

The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with smaller stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo and tall grass. With such profuse and varied flora, this region hosts several rare herbs and medicinal plants.

With numerous watering holes, Muthanga has a large population of pachyderms,and has been declared a Project Elephant site.

Other animals species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur and Slender Loris. The reserve is also home to a small population of Tigers. In addition, there is also a bewildering variety of birds, butterflies and insects.

Distance:

Kalpetta: 42kms. Sultan Bathery: 17kms

Permitting authority:

Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sulthan Bathery. Tel +91 (0)4936 220454

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Tholpetty

Tholpetty reserve is situated along the northern ridge of the district bordering Coorg in Karnataka. In terms of flora and fauna, Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga.

The best season to visit both the sanctuaries is from November to May.

Distance:

Kalpetta: 59kms., Mananthavadi: 24 kms.

Permitting authority:

Asst. Wildlife Warden, Tholpetty,Tel +91 (0)4935 240233)