Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala (Visit In 2024)

How many wildlife sanctuaries are there in Wayanad? Which river flows from Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary? Are there tigers in Wayanad?

Hello friends, I am Somraj Mondal, the content developer at indianchacha.com. In this blog post, I will show you complete details of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Here, you’ll know about:

History of the sanctuary
Flora and fauna
Best time to visit
Nearest Place to visit
And, much more information

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala Overview

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Wayanad, Kerala, India. Wanayad wildlife sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala with an area of 344.44 km2 (132.99 sq mi). The Sanctuary is established in 1973 and became an integral part o Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

There are 4 hills, Sultan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat, and Tholpetty which are surrounded by the sanctuary. Kabini river flows through the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is home to large wildlife such are gaur, Asian elephant, deer, and tiger. This sanctuary is bounded in the northeast by the protected area network of Nagarhole National Park and Bandipur National Park in Karnataka and by Mudumalai National Park in Tamil Nadu.

This Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Deccan Plateau and it is full of South Indian moist deciduous teak forests. The wildlife sanctuary comes under Protect Elephant and one can see herds of elephants roaming in the area. Kerala Forest Department arrange Elephant Ride for the visitor.

Location: Wayanad, Kerala, India
Nearest town: Sultan Battery, Mananthavady
Address: M9C9+JFV, Bathery- Puthupally Road, Sultan Bathery, Kerala 673592
Area: 344 km2 (133 sq mi)
Established: 1973

History of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Basically, in the forest house of the sanctuary, Pajhasi Raja lived when you fight against the British. Covering an area of 344.44 km2, this Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Project Elephant of 1991-92 which is why when you pass the route, you will see many herds of elephants roaming freely through the national park as well as the adjoining states. Officially, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1973 and it become the second largest sanctuary in Kerala.

This Sanctuary sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and wildlife. In 2012, the Kerala Forest Department shot and killed a tiger on the coffee plantation of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The political leaders there praised the murder. The wildlife warden of Kerala organized the major hunt after protests and complaints of tigers killing domestic animals.

Flora and Fauna of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora:

The flora of Waynad is characteristic of the Western Ghats and a crop cultivated in cool climates. The main flora attraction of the sanctuary is Bamboo Tree. Most of part of the sanctuary is covered with teak, silver oak, rosewood, and eucalyptus groves. Wetlands are also in the sanctuary. It has a rich flora of tree species like Caria Arborea, Cydia calycina, Anozysus latifolia, Terminatia chebula, Stereospermum coleus, and Dalbergia latifolia. In addition, many vines and shrubs are also found in this location.

Fauna:

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to the network of protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka. The sanctuary is home to many types of animals. From the Cat family to large animals, all species of Fauna are found here. Langurs, bonnet macaques, monkeys, sambar, bison, and bears are also seen in the sanctuary. Diverse forest life also includes thin lorries.

There are many lizards, Snake are visible here such are the green whip snake, golden tree snake, coral snake, and pit viper. Moreover, the other fauna is crocodiles, territe hill geckos which are a type of chameleons, skinks, flap shell turtles, gecko, flying lizards, and skinks.

Apart from the small and large animals, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to 216 species of birds including peacocks, black woodpeckers,babblers, owls, cuckoos, and jungle fowl. There are about 30 species of amphibians including Ceylon Kaliula, Bi-colored Frog, Malabar Gliding Frog Ramnella, Ornate Microhylid, Red Microhylid, and Bronze Frog.

Things to do at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

You can take an Elephant ride and explore the full sanctuary by sitting on the elephant with the permission of the Guider and Authority.
Go on a birding tour with professional birders and a naturalist who can help you see the beautiful avifauna. If you want to watch native and migratory Birds, I recommend carrying a binoculars and zoom-lens camera to capture them.
The sanctuary Organizes a special elephant camp which is a training center to tame baby elephants before they go wild. It is called Kumki. In this elephant training camp, you will see how mahouts teach their elephants to obey commands, work with wood, and even convince wild elephants not to stray or attack humans if they lose their way and enter human territory.
Apart from the Elephant ride, you can also do Jeep Safari inside the Sanctuary. These jeeps are accompanied by a ranger or a forest guide who is well versed in the topography of the area. Jeep Safari with the gang in the sanctuary is the most exciting activity to do.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price, Timing

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price:

Indian Tourist	Rs. 10
Foreigners Tourist	Rs. 100
Video Camera Charges	Rs. 150

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Timing:

Day	Timing
Monday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Tuesday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Wednesday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Thursday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Friday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Saturday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM
Sunday	7–10 AM, 3–5 PM

Best Time To Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

The Best time to visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is in the winter season, which is from October to February month. Basically, Karottimala, the peak of the sanctuary is 3800 feet above sea level, and others are around 2100 to 2600 feet. It offers a cool climate. On the other hand, between June and August is not recommended to visit there, because, it is the rainy season.

The Threatened Status of vultures of the Sanctuary

There are many species of vultures in the Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary such as white-headed vultures and red-headed vultures. According to a record from February 2016, The combined population of these vultures was about 150 and 17 vulture nests. And, sadly to say, In March 2016, only 11 vulture nests were observed. The banned drug diclofenac is believed to be responsible for the decline in vulture numbers.

How to reach Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

There are three ways to reach the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

By Road: The main bus stop near Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary or Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is Sultan Bathery which is 14 km away from the sanctuary. You can easily hire a cab from here. Moreover, you can also take a cab or rent a taxi from car rental companies.
By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest rail station near the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The distance between the station and the sanctuary is 112 km. After reaching the sanctuary, You need to take a local taxi or cab to reach the destination.
By Air: Kozhikode International Airport is the nearest airport to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is Also known as Calicut International Airport. After reaching the Airport, you need to take a local to reach the exact location which is about 125 km.

Location in Google Map:

Places to visit near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

As we already know, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. While you visit the sanctuary, you can also visit some other places near the sanctuary.

1. Seetha Devi Temple:

2. Kuruva Island:

3. Begur Reserve Forest:

4. Valmeekam Tribal Museum:

5. Muneeswaran Kunnu Viewpoint:

6. Thrissilery Shiva Temple:

Conclusion

In short, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular destinations for Wildlife travelers and the second biggest Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala. With an area of 344.44 km2, There are various types of flora and Fauna have been found here. I hope you got the necessary information about Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary from this blog post before visiting the sanctuary.

Now, I want to know from you:

Have you already visited or are you ready for Wayanad Bird Sanctuary?

How many wildlife and bird sanctuaries have you visited so far in Kerala or other states?

Let me know in the comment Right now.

Visit Other Sanctuary:

Somraj Mondal

Somraj Mondal is an Extensive experience in SEO and Travel, Lifestyle, and Bird Enthusiast expert of Indianchacha. A professional Blogger who loves to explore new places, and new cultures.