Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

 

 

 

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. Also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, this wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna. Established in 1973, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphre Reserve. It’s bounded by protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary was formed in the year 1973 and was brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. This sanctuary occupies an area of 345 km2. The sanctuary is separated into two disconnected parts known as the Upper Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the north and Lower Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the south. The area in between the two parts was originally a forest region, though it is now occupied majorly by plantations

Species found in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala:

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala was declared a sanctuary in the year 1973. The sanctuary is drained by several rivers; the most prominent ones include the Cherupuzha, Bavali puzha, Kabani River, Kannaram puzha, Kurichiat puzha, and Chedalathu puzha rivers. The vegetation of the sanctuary comprises mostly of South Indian Moist Deciduous forests and West coast semi-evergreen forests and includes teak, eucalyptus and Grewelia plantations. The major flora species found in this sanctuary include the Tectona grandis, Terminalia sp, Dalbergia latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Grewia tiliaefolia, Adina cordifolia Cirmamum zeylanicum, Pterocarpus marsupium, and Vateria indica. Over 45 species of mammals, 203 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles, and 59 species of fishes are found here. The fauna species found here comprises of Elephant, Gaur, Tiger, Panther,Sambar, Spotted deer, Barking deer, Wild boar, Sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque, Common langur, Wild dog, common otter, and Malabar giant squirrel.

Best Time to visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Kerala:

Although the sanctuary is open throughout the year, the best time to visit the sanctuary is between December and May. 

How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station : Kozhikode, about 97 kms by road from Sulthan Bathery.

Nearest Airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, nearly 120 kms from Sulthan Bathery.