Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is in god’s own country, i.e., in the southernmost state in India, Kerala. It is an animal sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is on the way from Kozhikode or Calicut (old name) in Kerala state to Mysore in Karnataka state.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, as the entry gate at Muthanga village is the most popular one to the sanctuary. Tholpetty is another entry point to the wildlife sanctuary. Hence, the sanctuary is also known as Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Wildlife Sanctuary at Wayanad is the second largest wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala after the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, alias Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, has many large wild animals like Indian tigers, elephants, Indian bison, barking deer, etc.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri biosphere of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is famous for its teak forests, with a local variant named Nilambur Teak.

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary offers Jeep safari rides for tourists, which the Kerala State Forest Department arranges.  Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, alias Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, has many tribal people living in the deep forests.

Edakkal Caves are two caves inside the Muthanga wildlife sanctuary, with pictorial writings believed to have been drawn around 6000 B.C., and are the only such caves in South India. These caves prove the existence of pre-historic civilization in the area.

Silent Valley Nation Park is a nearby National Park.

The Tomb of Pazhassi Raja (3rd January 1753 – 30th November 1805), Kerala Simham, or the “Lion of Kerala”, can be seen at Mananthavadi.  He was the de facto head of the kingdom of Kottayam and fought with The British East India Company and Hyder Ali of the Kingdom of Mysore. There is a Memorial at the site of his burial spot.

How Do I Go to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary alias Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary?

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is well connected by road, rail, and air. Kozhikode has the nearest Airport and Railway station to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Night travel through the forest route in Kozhikode – Mysore route is not allowed. Night travel is prohibited by courts to save wild animals from speeding motor vehicles passing through Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary at night.

June to October are the ideal months to visit this wildlife sanctuary in the Wayanad district. There is an entry fee to be paid at the entrance.

Conclusion

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