Established in 1973, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, second largest wildlife reserve in Kerala, bestowed with exotic flora-fauna, home to rare species.

Often referred as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular place to visit in India. Blessed with rich flora and fauna, it houses some of rare and endangered species of plants, animals and birds. Protect Elephant is the major project here and therefore you can watch herds of them roaming around the jungle. 

History of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary established in 1973 occupies an area of 345 km sq. Segregated into two detached parts - Upper and Lower Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, the area sandwiched between the two parts is occupied by plantations.

The enchanting surroundings of Wayanad are a critical part of the well-known Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, solely created to protect and conserve extremely rich bio-diversity of the region. Consequently, the sanctuary is famous for Project Elephant (1991-92).

Moist deciduous forests with small patches of semi evergreen forests create the foliage of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and offer excellent habitat for Asian Elephants, Indian Bison, Leopards, Giant Squirrels, Tigers, Jungle Cats, Civet, Nilgiri Langurs, Wild Dogs and Deer. The avian species involves Peacocks, Woodpeckers, Babblers, Jungle Fowls, Cuckoos and Mynas. Teak forests and marshes with thick bamboo groves create the flora here.

There are few interesting caves with ancient carvings of human and animal figures on the walls. Other points of interest include Kuruva Island, Pookat Lake and Sentinel Rock waterfalls.

Tourism in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Wayanad plateau that comprises two districts of Kerala - Cannanore in the north and Calicut in the south. It shelters a wide variety of rare flora and fauna. You can watch the stunning view of herds of elephants migrating from one area to the other in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Frequent spotting of Tigers brightens up your Jungle Safari. Tour to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary would include a visit to the captivating Chembra Peak, the highest peak that offers suitable conditions for trekking. In Edakkal visitors can enjoy elephant rides in the exotic surroundings of the sanctuary.

Kalpetta is the district headquarters of Wayanad and famous for its Jain temples. The Glass Temple of Kottamunda Kuruva Island, Pookat Lake and Sentinel Rock waterfalls are other nearby points of interest that will enrich your vacation.

Explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in a Jeep Safaris or take a ride on the elephant’s back and enjoy the varied birds perched on trees.

Hire a jeep to explore and enjoy the bio-diversity flourishing in the surroundings of the park. To enjoy a Jungle Safari, prior permission from the Forest Department is required. The elephants of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary are more violent in comparison to their counterparts across India, therefore we advise you to take proper precautions like abstaining from strong perfumes and flashy coloured clothes.

Thoroughly enjoy your bird watching experience in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary given the number of species found here.

In the proximity of the park, forest rest houses and lodges are available. Additionally, at Kalpetta good accommodation options are available.