Anyone who loves nature can appreciate the lovely countryside surrounding the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Because Wayanad in India is so peaceful and offers a great variety of plants and animals, it gives individuals a nice opportunity to appreciate the environment. Those who enjoy nature, animals or birds will find Wayanad to be a breathtaking place to visit.
Here, we will cover Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, explain its uniqueness, talk about the animals there and suggest the ideal time to visit. Set out to explore one of Kerala’s finest destinations for wildlife!
Introduction to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, spans approximately 345 square kilometers. The place is beautiful because it is near the Wayanad hills which have waterfalls, wide lakes, endless forests and fields filled with green plantations.
The organisation began its work in 1973 to ensure the safety of wild animals around the area. This is why the plants and animals in Kerala have improved protection.
Here is a list of the Wildlife Sanctuaries found in Wayanad.
Not only is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary worthy for the area, but it has different amazing places that add to the environment. These are the primary regions in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
1. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
If you visit Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, you can easily access the main section of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The reason is that it rests in the southern area of Wayanad and borders the state of Karnataka. Since elephants live within the wilderness, it is usual to see them during safari tours. Since there are tigers, leopards and several varieties of deer at the zoo, many nature lovers come to see them.
With its unique grasslands and forests, Muthanga invites both animals and tourists to explore the Western Ghats.
2. Edakkal Caves Wildlife Sanctuary
The reason many people know the Edakkal Caves Wildlife Sanctuary for its carvings is that it is in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Elephants, tigers, leopards and several species of birds inhabit the forest region in the north of Wayanad.
Entering the area’s thick forests allows trekkers to visit the Edakkal Caves and look at their old carvings. Therefore, the sanctuary appeals to people who enjoy seeing both nature and history.
3. Muthanga and Pulpally Wildlife Range
Within the Wildlife Sanctuary, you can also find two wildlife ranges: Muthanga and Pulpally. They are known to most for their variety of plants and animals, particularly the Kerala elephants. At this place, you can see many different animals and birds, while the Bengal tiger, sloth bears and a variety of deer are among the mammals.
Flora and Fauna of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Some of the animals and birds found in Wayanad are even mentioned in legends. Numerous animals and plants can be found in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Due to all the different species in the sanctuary, it welcomes thousands of tourists each year.
1. You can see wild animals in Wayanad.
A number of India’s famous wild animals live in the Wayanad forests.
Asian Elephants: There are plenty of elephants here and you may witness them during a safari. Most Tigers and Leopards choose to live in the forests of Wayanad. In most cases, you can encounter a tiger in its natural habitat merely at a sanctuary.If you explore the most cut-off areas of the place, you could see Sloth Bears. Besides other types, spotted and sambar deer live in Dudhwa National Park. Usually, wild boars are found in open spaces.
2. Birdlife
Birds are present in many spots within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Because there are over 200 species living here, many rare birds such as these can be discovered at the sanctuary.
- Malabar Hornbill
- The Great Pied Hornbill is one of Australia’s bird species.
- Indian Rollers
- Shikras
3. Flora
Many species such as tropical teak, rosewood and sandalwood live in the vasanta forest located in the safeguard sanctuary. Furthermore, since so many medicinal plants and rare herbs grow in the forests, this helps the ecosystem.
Best Time to Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is best explored during November, December, January and February. The weather in September is great for safaris and many other types of adventures. As animals come to the waterholes, you can easily see them.
Due to the mud from the monsoon (occurring from June to September), walking in the forest may be difficult and the rain may prevent some wild animals from making an appearance in the park. Seeing the sanctuary in monsoon season is especially lovely, so you might like to visit then, but since the longer showers are involved, animals are less active.
Things to Do in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Those travellers willing to see how beautiful Wayanad is have a lot to do.
1. Wildlife Safari
Seeing the sanctuary by jeep is a good way to go. Being in the centre of the forests during the safari allows you to enjoy watching elephants, tigers, leopards and a variety of other animals. Learning about Muthanga and Edakkal Caves is easy since they provide you with knowledgeable guides.
2. Bird Watching
Since there are over 200 types of birds in Wayanad, seeing them can be very enjoyable. You should look for the Malabar hornbill or Indian eagle-owl in the forest either early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
3. Trekking
Individuals who enjoy being outside can head to Wayanad for jungle treks such as the one to the Edakkal Caves. You may also want to hike in Muthanga and Pulpally, because you could spot some animals during your hike.
4. Visit the Edakkal Caves
Inside the park, Edakkal Caves unite nature with aspects of Keralan culture. Many rock carvings made during the Neolithic age are present in the caves, piquing the interest of archaeology fans.
How to Reach Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
You can easily travel to Wayanad using the roads leading from cities inside and outside Kerala. The airport is almost 85 km away from the district of Wayanad. The closest cities to the area’s railway stations are Kozhikode and Sultan Bathery. You can move from Old Town to the sanctuary by taxi or by using the town’s public transport.
Accommodation Options Near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- You can stay in Wayanad at a variety of prices, both high and low.
- Cheque out the wildlife, because various resorts are set close to the sanctuary.
- Vythiri Resort gives you the chance to relax in treehouses that are also eco-friendly.
- When you’re wishing for a peaceful place in the area of the Kentucky Sanctuary, stay at the Wayanad Wild Retreat.
- There are hotels that cost less in the town of Sultan Bathery nearby.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit Sanctuary for Nature Lovers
People who love nature will appreciate the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy the view of wild animals and cheque out the mountains and valleys or explore Wayanad’s history at the Edakkal Caves. Wayanad offers a variety of fun safaris and soothing nature walks.
Pay a visit to Wayanad and witness its wonderful sights!
