Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

South India

Established in 1973, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is bound by a protected area network of Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu. It is part of the Deccan Plateau and the vegetation is predominantly of the south Indian moist deciduous teak forests. Also, the sanctuary has pastures of the west-coast semi-evergreen trees. The sanctuary holds special significance as one of the protected areas under project Elephant and is said to shelter world's largest recorded population of Asian Elephants, with elephants being the flagship species of the sanctuary. Apart from Elephants, the sanctuary is also home to tigers (another flagship species), Leopards, Jungle Cats, Spotted deer, Sambar deer, Gaur, Sloth bear, Wild dog, Wild boar, Indian pangolin, Stripe-necked mongoose and a wide diversity of snakes including the King Cobra. Interestingly, it is th...e only sanctuary in Kerala where sightings of four-horned antelope are reported, and Wayanad is said to be the only remaining habitat of the critically endangered vulture population in Kerala. Two species of vultures namely the Red-headed and white-backed vultures are a common sight in the sanctuary. The Sanctuary is known for its floral diversity as well, with a few common trees species being; Rose-wood, Anjili (Artocarpus), Mullumurikku (Erythrina), and Cassia. Living alongside the wildlife flora and fauna are important tribes like the Paniyar, Kattunayakan, Urali, Kurichiar, Wayanad Kadar and Adyar who inhabit the region.

While the best way to explore the forest would be via a wildlife safari, some places of interest to further explore the region are; Bansura Sagar Dam: Said to be the second largest dam in Asia, Bansura offers breath taking views from the top. Chembra peak - The highest peak of the Wayanad hill range offering a panoramic view of the district, Edakkal caves- Explore, the pre-historic Edakkal Caves famous for its exquisite rock and wall carvings.

Since the Sanctuary is home to a healthy population of mega species like the Elephants and Tigers, it can lead to incidents of Human- Wildlife conflict, which apart from supporting the tireless efforts of the Forest Department, can be mitigated with long- term solutions sought in tandem with the indigenous tribes who are an integral part of the region. Working with the people will not help in strengthening co- existence, but will also provide a safe haven for species like the Vulture which is the only stronghold for the bird in Kerala.

Destination Information

How To Book

Direct booking only – No online booking available till date

Park Timings

7:00 am to 10:00 am, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Getting Around the Park

Either the park operated Jeep or the Bus. For both options they have a slot as 07:00 AM- 10:00 AM, and 03:00 PM – 05:00 PM. You would have to travel to either Muthanga (from Calicut – by road - Kalpetta – Meenangadi- Sulthan bathery- Muthanga) Or Tholpetty (from Calicut – by road – Kalpetta- Mananthavadi- Kattikulam – Tholpetty) by road and get the Tickets from the park counter and do the same.

Entry Fees

Indian/OCI: 349 INR Foreigner: 700 INR Children : 349 INR Foreign Children : 700 INR

By air: NEAREST AIRPORTS Kannur Airport (CNN)- 117.9 km Karippur Airport (CCJ)- 109.4 km Banglore Airport (BLR)- 301.1 km Mysore Airport (MYQ)- 105.3 km. By Rail: NEAREST RAILWAY JUNCTIONS Kozhikode Railway Junction (KUL) - 110 km Kannur Railway Junction (CAN) - 130 km Mysore Railway Junction (MYS) - 115.7 km By road: THOLPETTY ECO CENTER: From Sulthan Bathery Town – 65 km (Via Manathavady) From Kozhikode -. 129 kms (Via Kaleptta- Mananthavady) From Kannur - 113 km (Via Mananthavady) From Karnataka Side : 56 kms (Via Veerjpet-Kutta) Mananthavady - Tholpetty – 26 kms (Mananthavady- Kutta State Highway) MUTHANGA ECO CENTER: Suthan Bathery – Muthanga -14 kms Kozhikode- Muthanga- 110 kms (NH 766 (Kozhikode Kollegal) (Via Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery) Mysore (Karnataka) – Muthanga – 100 Kms (NH 716) Via Nanjankode, Gundelpet ADAVI- CHETHALAYAM Sulthan Bathery- Pulpally Road 12 kms from Sulthan Bathery Town From Mananthavady Town – 35 Kms (Via Pulpally)

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After The Rains Rainforest Lodge

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Wayanad Wild

Translating as ‘land of paddy fields’ in Malayalam, Wayanad is considered a precious destination nestled high in the Western Ghats, specifically Kerala offering diverse insights beyond the fields, into the world of bio-diversity, as well as culturally.

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Now you can enjoy a flawless and carefree travel itinerary to many of Indian subcontinent’s greatest wilderness destinations and combine this with its rich cultural and historic heritage.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Destination Information

How To Book

Direct booking only – No online booking available till date

Park Timings

7:00 am to 10:00 am, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Getting Around the Park

Entry Fees

Indian/OCI: 349 INR Foreigner: 700 INR Children : 349 INR Foreign Children : 700 INR

explore by region click the map

Click Here for Good Wildlife Travel Guide

Eco-friendly properties in the area

Other Destinations To Combine

South India

South India

South India

Tamil Nadu

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