Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected area located in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sanctuary was established in 1973 and covers an area of approximately 345 square kilometers (133 square miles).
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary primarily consists of dense forests, moist deciduous forests, and bamboo groves. It is inhabited by numerous species of animals including elephants, tigers, leopards, sambar deer, spotted deer, langurs, macaques, and various species of reptiles and birds.
The sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and wildlife through guided safaris and trekking activities. The wildlife safari is conducted by the Forest Department in designated vehicles, and visitors can spot animals in their natural habitats. The scenic beauty of the sanctuary, with its lush greenery, rolling hills, and wildlife sightings, makes it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
It is important to note that Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area, and certain rules and regulations are in place to ensure the conservation of its flora and fauna. Visitors are required to follow these guidelines and respect the natural environment.
Overall, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique experience to connect with nature and witness the diverse wildlife of Kerala’s Western Ghats region.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and lies at the border of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Also known as Wayanad Wildlife, it is a region with rich biodiversity and outstanding natural beauty. Rich in the dense rain forests that is set amidst the enchanting hills of the Western Ghats, this wildlife sanctuary is home to unique flora and fauna. Wayanad is a perfect destination for holidaymakers, nature lovers, and adventure fanatics. Visiting Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and other tourist attractions in this district shall be a mind-blowing experience. We, KSU have been offering tour packages and taxi services to travelers to Kerala. Visit our website today to get more details about Wayanad and plan your holidays.
A Sanctuary With Rich Biodiversity And Scenic Beauty
Set in the middle of the Western Ghats hills, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with rich biodiversity. People from across the globe visit this sanctuary in order to enjoy its amazing flora and fauna. It is home to a wide range of animals such as bison, elephants, wild cats, and panther, and many exotic birds and butterflies. This wildlife sanctuary along with Mudumalai National Park of Tamil Nadu and Bandipur National Park of Karnataka makes a lengthy corridor of tropical rainforest region. Nearly 17 anti-poaching stations are set inside this sanctuary. The inner zones of this sanctuary are accessible only to forest officers and wildlife researchers.
Spread across more than 345 sq. km area, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary has varieties of deciduous trees like rosewood, bamboos, vengal and chadachi. Four mountain ranges are adorning this region such as Muthunga, Sultan Bathery, Tholpetty, and Kurichiat. The closest mountain range to this wildlife sanctuary is Sultan Bathery. This region is a favorite hangout not only for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts but many photographers also visit here for capturing its eye-catching natural beauty. By visiting the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, you will be able to enjoy the most sought-after wildlife experience in Kerala.
Guided Tour
Visitors need to take prior permission from the forest authorities to enter the forest.
It is important to hire a service of guides in order to explore the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors are not allowed to enter this sanctuary without the service of a trained forest guide. Every group in this picnic spot whether it is for a jeep or elephant safari must have a guide at their disposal. Your safari charge includes the charges for the guide and camera.
Best Time To Visit
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visitors only from August to February. The climate in this region remains pleasant during the winter months and just after the monsoon season. Nature is at its best in this sanctuary during this time. If you plan to visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, choose anytime between October and February. This tourist destination remains closed in the months of March and April.
Things To Do
- Opt for jeep or elephant safaris to the jungles. The rate of the safari per person is nearly Rs.300/-.
- Watch out for different animals like tigers, bison, panthers, and jackals, etc.
- Royal Bengal Tigers and wild elephants are the highlights of this sanctuary. Watch them.
- This sanctuary is home to more than 200 avian species. Just fix your eyes on the binoculars so that you can watch several exotic birds from owls to peacocks.
- Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to several rare medicinal plants which has the capacity to cure diseases. So, keep an eye out for them.
Traveler Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes as you need to travel an area of around 12 kilometers on foot in order to explore this sanctuary.
- Carry enough water to hydrate you but do not throw plastic bottles in the forest.
- Don’t take your pets inside the sanctuary.
- Even though this sanctuary is open throughout the day, safaris are allowed only in the morning from 7 am to 10 am and late afternoon from 3 pm to 4.30 pm.
- Visitors must care about inflammable like cigarettes and matchsticks. This sanctuary does not allow visitors to leave them here and there.
- The maximum visiting duration with a forest guide in this picnic spot is 2 hours.
- Each vehicle strictly follows the specific capacity of seats.
How To Reach
People who wish to visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary usually access it from Kozhikode. The major railway station in the vicinity is Kozhikode which is at a distance of around 110 km. Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is the nearest airport to this sanctuary. It lies at a distance of about 140 kilometers. Travelers can take buses or hire taxis or cars from the airport or railway station to reach this sanctuary. Mysore and Kozhikode are almost same distance from this picnic spot.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport (140km)
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode (110km)