Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - वायनाड वन्य जीव अभयारण्य

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the South-Indian state of Kerala. It is also known as the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and was set up in the year 1973. Later, the sanctuary was declared as a national park. Wayand National Park of India is spread over an area of 344 sq km and forms a part of the Wayanad Plateau. It occupies area in two districts of Kerala. The northern part of the Wayand National Park falls under Cannanore district, while the southern area comes under Calicut district.

The term 'Wayanad' literally means the 'land of swamps'. Wayand Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala forms a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The sanctuary was set up with the aim of inventing scientific conservation methods, which will be in harmony with the traditional lifestyle of the tribals living in this region. The best time to visit Wayand National Park of India comprises of the months of June to October.

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudimalai of Tamilnadu on the south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reservem, Which has been established with the specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region. Interestingly, it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought valiantly against the British. Consisting entirely of notified reserve, the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora. The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live on the frings of the forest.

Topography(Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)

Gently undulating with occasional hillocks, the highest peak is Karottimala (1158m).

Climate(Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)

The tract receives fairly reasonable amount of rain, most of which is received during June to August. March, April and May are warm.

Forest Types (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)

Most of the forests are of the south Indian moist deciduous type. There are, however, a few patches of west coast semi evergreen forests. About 110 sq.kms of the sanctuary is under plantations of teak, eucalyptus. And grevelia.

Flora

The terrain of the Wayanad National Park comprises mainly of moist deciduous forests. These forests mainly consist of Teak, Maruthu, Karimaruthi, Rosewood, Venteak, Vengal, Chadachi, Mazhukanjiram and Bamboo tress. The semi-evergreen patches of the park have Veteria Indica, Lagerstroemia, Lanceolta, Terminalia Paniculata, etc.

In the moist deciduous forest, maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the semi-evergreen patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc are common.

Fauna

The most popular wild animals of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of India consist of Tigers, Elephants, Panthers, Civet Cats, Jungle Cats, Deer, Wild Dogs, Bisons, Sloth Bears, Monkeys, etc.

The animal population of the sanctuary is varies. Elephant, tiger, Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog, bison, deer, bear, etc. inhabit the sanctuary. Reptiles like monitor lizard and a variety of snakes are seen. Peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, wood pecker and jungle fowl are only a few among the different types of birds seen in the area.

Among the animals, elephant occupies the prime position. Interstate seasonal migration of elephant is common.Tiger population of the sanctuary is fairly good. Frequent sightings are reported from Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla areas.

Reptiles

Monitor lizards and a variety of snakes can be seen inhabiting the Wayand National Park.

Bird Species

The most common bird species of Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary of India are Peacocks, Woodpeckers, Jungle Fowls, Cuckoos, Owls, Babblers, etc.

Wildlife Tourism (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)

Good roads connect the sanctuary with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ootty. They are also connected by rail and are within 110 kms from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can halt at Sultan Bathery or Mananthavadi and visit the sanctuary Government rest houses and private lodges offer accommodation.

Administration (Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary)

The sanctuary comes under the Wayanand Wildlife Division with head quarters at Sultan Bathery.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest airport is at Calicut.

By Rail

A good network of railways connects Wayanad with the other parts of India.

By Road

There are frequent buses as well as taxis to and from Calicut.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

General Information

Location : Kerala, India
Total Area : 344 Sq km
Established In : 1973
Main Attractions : Tigers, Elephants, Sloth Bears, Panthers, etc
Best Time to Visit: June to October

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