Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Factfile
Location : Wayanad, in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in north-east Kerala.
Area : 345 sq. km
Major Attractions : Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Gaur, Cheetal, Sloth Bears and Jackals.
Best Time to Visit : October to February
Timings : 6.00 am to 9.00 am & 3.00 pm to 6 pm.
Entry Fee : Indian Rs 10, foreigners Rs 100.
Guide Fee : Rs 100
Camera Charges : Still Camera Rs. 25, Video Camera Rs. 150 .
Vehicle Entry : Rs 50 -150

Introducing Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
For a common Keralite, the name 'Wayanad' promptly brings to mind the valiant struggle of the King of Pazhassi, who battled the East India company with the help of his loyal tribesmen, in the forests of Wayanad until he was betrayed and killed. Today, Wayanad still reminds its historic past, but it is now more known for its Wildlife Sanctuary.

Established in the year 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, runs beside the wildlife protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka and Madumalai in Tamil Nadu. With its rich bio-diversity, it forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which was formed with an aim to conserve the biological heritage of this region.

Spread over 345 sq km area, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala. Rich in flora and fauna, Wayanad also houses beautiful lakes, streams and rivers. There are several places inside the Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see animals roaming freely. Besides, there are many scattered human settlements within the sanctuary and you can observe the general lifestyle of these tribals.

Flora Of The Sanctuary
The forest of the Wayanad is moist deciduous type, with a few patches of semi-evergreen forests. In the moist deciduous forest, you may see plantations of Maruthi, Karimaruthi, Vengal, Rosewood, Chadachi, Venteak, Bamboo, Anjili (Artocarpus), Mullumurikku (Erthrina), Mazhukanjiram etc. While in semi-evergreen patches you can see trees of Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata, Lagerstroemia, Veterai indica etc. In addition, a major portion of Wayanad is covered by coffee plants, which are shaded by several species of caussia and many other non-described varieties.
Fauna Of The Sanctuary
Blessed with a rich wilderness, Wayanad is equally blessed with a variety of wildlife. At Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary you can spot a number of animals like Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Civet Cat, Bonnet Monkeys, Loris, Mangoose, Squirrel, Wild Dog, Bison, Deer, Bear, Jackal and Hare. You can also spot species of reptile like Monitor Lizard and a variety of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Wayanad is a paradise for birdwatching, you can watch several bird species like Peacock, Cuckoo, Babbler, Owl, Wood Pecker and Jungle Fowl.

Activities You Can Take Part In
Jeep Safari is the main and perhaps only activity which you take up in this wildlife sanctuary. If you want to go for animal sightings, early hours in the morning and the before sunset time in the evening are best, so start your trip by 6 am or so. For animal viewing you must have to take prior permission from the Forest Department and taking a local guide along is mandatory.

While on Jeep Safari, you can expect to see elephants, gaur, wild pigs and herd of deer, or if you are lucky even a tiger. Wayanad is birdwatcher's paradise, you can see a variety of birds like the crested hawk eagle, the king vulture, the crested serpent eagle and the Malabar Grey horn bill. Take a short walk in any direction of the Inspection Bungalows to discover more treasures. In Wayanad you can also find abundance of insect life.

Nearby Attractions
Thirunelly Temple : You can combine your trip to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with a visit to the Thirunelly Temple. 15 km from Tholpetty, the Thirunelly Temple is worth visiting.

Pakshipathalam (8 km from the Thirunelly Temple) : To visit this place you have to take a trek from Thirunelly Temple. The trek is interesting, and traverses enthralling forestland till it reaches massive cavernous rocks, with over thousand of roosting bats.

Where To Stay
The Inspection Bungalows are the only accommodation option inside the sanctuary, but you may also stay in the hotels of the nearby towns. Within the sanctuary you may stay in the Forest Wood House at Tholpetty and the Forest Wood House at Muthanga. You have to take prior permission from the Wildlife Warden, Sulthan Bathery Division to stay in these places. The Forest Department also has a dorm at Muthanga. Apart from these, you can also stay in hotels at Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery. The Pachyderm Palace and the Manasa Saras Elite Tourist Home are the best options to stay in Mananthavady. While in Sulthan Bathery, finest options include the Orchid Resort, Edakkal Hermitage and The Resorts.

How To Reach
Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode (125 km) is the nearest airport. Nearest railhead is Kozhikode railway station, at a distance of 100 km. Frequent deluxe and express buses connect Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with Kozhikode.

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