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. 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.

History

It was during 1973 that this sanctuary was formed. During the period of 1991 – 92, this sanctuary was brought under the fold of Project Elephant, which was an initiative started for the protection of elephants from human attacks. When it was constructed, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was designed in such a way that it was divided into two main parts – Upper Sanctuary (towards the north) and Lower Sanctuary (towards the south). The areas between these two parts were initially covered by a forest; however now it is covered by plantations. Currently, it is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is a highly protected area that has the forest areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka towards the north east and by the Mudumalai forest of Tamil Nadu towards the south east.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Salubrious climate prevails over this sanctuary. Every year, the average rainfall received in this place is around 2322 mm. During the months of March – April, southwest monsoon sets in this place and one experiences winds of high speed during this time. Summer, winter, south west monsoon and northeast monsoon are the four main seasons here. The months from June to October are the best to visit this sanctuary as the vegetation is lush and green after the heavy rainfall.

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.

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.

Accommodation

There are lots of places to stay for tourists who come to the Wildlife Sanctuary at Wayanad. Accommodation options are available at Muthanga, Tholpetty and Chethalayam.

General Information

Fees

The entry fee for Indians is 10INR and for foreigners is around 100 INR. The fee for light and heavy vehicles is 50 INR and 150 INR respectively. Tourists who want to record videos or movies must pay 150 INR and those who want to take pictures must pay 25 INR.

Visiting Timings

Visitors are allowed into the sanctuary from morning 7 to 10 AM and from 3 to 4.30 PM. The sanctuary is closed every year from February 11th to April 10th.

Nearby Attractions

Some of the important tourist attractions nearby Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are Pookattu Lake, Tirunelli Temple, Wayanad Heritage Museum, Jain Temple, Edakkal Caves and Uravu.

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