Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across an area of 344 square km in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It comprises of Muthanga range, Tholpetty range, Sulthan Bathery and Kunchiat ranges.

It is divided into North Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and South Wayanad wildlife Sanctuary. Tholpetty range shares its borders with Nagarahole National Park in Karnataka, Muthanga range shares its borders with Bandipur National park in Karnataka and Mudumali Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu. All the National Parks are part of the Nilgiri Bio sphere one of the 18 Biospheres of the world.

Flora and Fauna

The sanctuary is famous for its flora and fauna.

The expensive Rose wood, Teak wood and Sandal wood along with Bamboo are extensively found here.

It has rich and rare animal species that includes Asiatic Elephants, Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Bison, Lion Tailed Macaques, spotted deer, sambar deer, The rare Black Panther is  sighted in deep forests.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary Weather

The sanctuary receives heavy rains during monsoon months from June to September. The average rainfall is around 2,322 mm.The monsoon months are from June to September.

The summer months from April to June are dry and hot with average maximum temperature ranging between 32-34’C. The winter months from mid November to mid February is pleasant with cool breeze from the mountains.

Best time to visit Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

The winter months from November to March is ideal to visit. There are more chances of sighting wild animals. However, the sanctuary open till the on set of monsoon in June. There will be no safari during monsoon.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary Safari timings

Safari is conducted both in Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges. Private jeeps are available for safari inside the sanctuary. The safari starts at 6.30 am and continue till 5.00 pm.

How to reach Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

The sanctuary can be reached from Mysore, Calicut and Ooty.

By road-  It is 100 km from Mysore,90 km from Calicut/Kozikode
By rail –   Mysore is the nearest rail head at 100 km
By air – Kozikode/Calicut International airport is located at 125 km
Kannur International airport is located at 120 km

Hotels in and around Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

The sanctuary has two ranges that offers safari inside the forest . One is Muthanga and the other is Tholpetty. Muthanga is 18 km from Sulthan Bathery where you will find  decent hotels. Apart from the hotels there are good Coffee plantation home stays and resorts.

Tholpetty range is near Kartikulam, a small town at 15 km. You can even choose Mananthavady at 26 km for good hotels. Good coffee plantation home stays/Resorts are available.

Things to do

Safari inside the forest is the major activity. In case if you are visiting Tholpetty range  you can visit Irupu water falls in Coorg that is close by. You can also visit Tirunelli temple. If you are visiting Muthanga range, visit Soojipara water falls and Meenmutty water falls.