About Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad
Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in the Indian state of Kerala is a part of the
Nilgiri biosphere reserve and is contiguous to three other protected areas
of Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai. Established in the year 1973, the
sanctuary also falls under project Elephant which was launched in 1991 to
save the dwindling tusker population.
The sanctuary is situated in one of the least populous districts of Kerala
which lends a unique charm to the place. A thrill and excitement of being
away from the more populous areas combined with trespassing into unmanned
territory makes for a special holiday experience.
Wildlife Attractions in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Despite the fast depleting forest cover and human intrusion, the park still
houses a number of animal and bird species. Some of the major animals found
in the area include elephants, tigers, gaur, sloth, cheetal, leopards,
dholes, jackals and otters among other species of fauna.
Besides animals, the sanctuary is home to a large number of avifaunal
species which include crested serpent eagle, red-wattled lapwings, crested
hawk eagle, king vulture, malabar grey hornbill and nightjars. Some species
of butterfly can also be spotted including the common leopard butterfly.
Safaris
There
are no safaris offered by the forest department, however there are plans to
start one in the near future. You can take your own vehicle into the
sanctuary but taking along a local guide is mandatory. Chances of spotting
animals are best in the early hours of morning as also during the evening.
It is better to start the day as early as 6 in the morning. Prior permission
has to be obtained from the forest department.
Other Attractions
Drive
A drive around the park can be rewarding where you can expect to see
animals such as Elephants, Gaur, different species of Deer, wild boars and
if you are lucky, may be a leopard or even a tiger. It is important though
to keep silent and observe the rules of the park.
Birdwatching
Wayanad is an ideal place for bird lovers. A variety of birds can be
commonly seen around the park flying in the skies or frolicking about the
trees.
How to Get There
By Air : Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is
the nearest airport. Indian Airlines operates daily flights to Kozhikode
from Delhi (6:30) & Mumbai (9:15). Another connection to Kozhikode is
from Chennai (1840, Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), (12:30, Sat) & (12:50, Tue)
By Rail : Mysore is the nearest railhead connected to
Delhi through the Swarna Jayanthi (6:00, Mon). Mumbai is connected through
the Sharavathi Exp. (21:30, Tue) while Bangalore through the Mysore Pass
(23:55, Daily), Mysore Exp. (4:10, Daily) and Chennai through the Mysore
Exp. (21:45, Daily)
By Road : The sanctuary is demarcated into the upper and
lower regions. To reach upper Wayanad from Kozhikode, take the NH212 to
Kalpetta. From there, take the state highway to Kartikulam via Mananthavady
from where a district road will take you to Tholpetty. To reach from
Bangalore, take the state highway to Mysore via Maddur and Mandya. From
here, follow the NH212 to Sulthan Bathery via Gundlupet.
Distances from Major Cities
Sulthan Bathery : 15 km (E)
Kalpetta : 22 km (E)
Kozhikode : 125 km (NE)
Mysore : 94 km (SW)
Travel Tips/Important Information
- Some of the park charges include Entry fee : Rs. 10 (Indians) &
Rs. 100 (foreigners), Guide : Rs. 100, Vehicle Entry : Rs. 50-150
(depending on vehicle size), Camera : Rs. 25-150 (depending on camera
type)
- Sanctuary timings are 6 to 9 AM and 3 to 6 PM.
- Confrontations between man and wildlife is not uncommon, so observe
the rules of the park strictly for your own safety.
- Wear dull colored clothes, follow the instructions of your guide and
never get off your vehicle, especially in the presence of animals.
Jungle
Resorts in Wayanad
| Forest
Wood House |
Two forest rest
houses have been built at Tholpetty and Muthanga. The rooms are simple
with the most basic facilities and an attached verandah.
|
