About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area spread over 344.44 sq km in Wayanad district, Kerala, forming part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Located near Sulthan Bathery with entry points at Muthanga and Tholpetty, it is contiguous with Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai reserves. Established in 1973, it is known for its deciduous forests, elephants, tigers, deer and rich birdlife, offering jeep safaris through dense woodland.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect dense moist and dry deciduous forests with bamboo thickets and open grasslands accessed via guided jeep safaris from Muthanga and Tholpetty gates. The sanctuary offers sightings of elephants, gaur, spotted deer, sambar, langurs, and diverse birds. Facilities are basic with forest department ticket counters, parking and interpretation centre. The experience is a 1-2 hour jeep ride along designated forest tracks with a guide, surrounded by natural woodland.
Key highlights
- 01
Part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve contiguous with Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai
- 02
Large population of wild elephants and gaur along with tigers, leopards and deer
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Jeep safari through deciduous forest and bamboo groves from Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges
- 04
Rich birdlife with over 200 species including peafowl, jungle fowl and raptors
- 05
Four forest ranges: Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat and Tholpetty
History of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973 with an area of 344.44 sq km, the sanctuary was brought under the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Project Elephant. It forms a vital corridor connecting the protected forests of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu (Nagarhole, Bandipur, Mudumalai) and preserves one of the largest intact forest stretches in the Western Ghats.
Culture & Context
The sanctuary landscape is traditionally associated with indigenous forest communities and reflects the natural heritage of the Western Ghats, valued for biodiversity conservation and nature education.
Route
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