Wildlife Conservation-Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Adventure Holidays in Wayanad for Wildlife Safaris, Elephant Travel
Nov 6, 2009
Situated on the southern tip of the Deccan plateau, surrounded by the Western Ghats, shrouded in thick forests, Wayanad offers some of the best opportunities to spot wildlife in Kerala, South India. Elephant rides into the forest, sighting animals at waterholes from atop watch towers and safaris all make for great adventure holidays.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Wayanad
With 26 % of its 2100 sq km covered by forest, the district of Wayanad houses 2 major wildlife sanctuaries – Muthanga and Tholpetty. Together the two wildlife reserves protect countless species of animals, birds and vegetation.
The wildlife reserves of Wayanad, along with the adjoining Bandipur national park and Mudumalai wildlife sanctuary, are a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a unique ecosystem being considered by the UNESCO to be a world heritage site.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in Wayanad
Located 18 km from the town of Sulthan Bathery, this wildlife reserve is a 345 sq km stretch of lush greenery. Also called the Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, it was established in 1973 and inducted into Project Elephant in 1991-92.
The evergreen and tropical deciduous forests here are home to elephants, bison, spotted deer, monkeys, panthers, civet cats, wild bear, a small population of tigers and a variety of snakes. Birdwatchers can hope to catch sight of peacocks, peafowl, egrets, cormorants, snipes, woodpeckers, babblers and owls. Vividly colourful butterflies are also a feature of this region.
But being a Project Elephant site, Muthanga’s main attraction is the elephant. Elephants can be seen in hordes by the watering holes. Taking an elephant ride arranged by the Forest Department is a popular and exciting way to explore the wild trails in this dense forest. Four wheeler safaris (called jeep safaris) are also on offer but require permission from the Forest Department and the accompaniment of an authorized guide.
Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary
The Tholpetty reserve is located 15 km from the town of Manthanvady and is very similar to the Muthanga sanctuary in most respects. This is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with the same richness in bio-diversity.
It is among the best reserves to catch sight of the elephant. Safaris into the jungle in four wheelers are organized every morning and evening ( 0600 - 0800 hrs and 1500 -1730 hrs). According to the natives and the forest guides, early mornings and late evenings are the best times to sight wild animals.
Near Tholpetty is the 12th century Thirunelly temple, definitely worth a visit. The 7 km drive to Thirunelly is flanked by forests with numerous streams and waterfalls. The natives believe a dip in the nearby Papanashini river will cleanse one of all his sins. Also in the region is Pakshipathalam, a day long trek to the rocky abode of innumerable birds.
Travelling to Wayanad
The best time to visit the sanctuaries is between November and May, avoiding the monsoon. Accommodation can be booked in hotels in the towns or the numerous jungle resorts, forest lodges and tree houses closer to the forests.
The nearest international airport is at Kozhikode, about 95 away (from Kalpetta). The nearest railway stations are at Kannur and Kozhikode. Wayanad is well connected to the other parts of the state and the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu by roads.
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