The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, India. It has an extent of 344.44 sq. km with four ranges namely Sulthan Bathery, Muthanga, Kurichiat, and Tholpetty. A variety of large wild animals such as Indian bison, elephant, deer, and tiger are found there. There are also quite a few unusual birds in the sanctuary. In particular, peafowl tends to be very common in the area. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. It is bestowed with lush green forests and rich wildlife. This wildlife area houses some of the rare and endangered species of both flora and fauna.
Established in 1973, the sanctuary is now an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is bounded by a protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast, and on the southeast by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is part of the #Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Western Ghats, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster.
Wayanad district has the largest population of Adivasi in Kerala. Scheduled tribes here include Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyans, Kurichiyas, Ooralis, and Kattunaikkans. Comprising an area of 2126 km2, Wayanad has a powerful history. Relicts and edicts found in various parts of Wayanad speak of an important prehistoric era. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ.
Wayanad wildlife sanctuary offers a jeep safari through the forest at Tholpetty forest office and #Muthanga forest office. #Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful destination located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road. The jeep ride here offers brilliant opportunities to view various animal and bird species in their natural habitat. One gets to see herds of elephants, guars, deer, monkeys, tigers, leopards, bears, and many species of reptiles, fishes, butterflies, and birds including vultures. Visitors are restricted to the outer tourist zone. It gives one an excellent perspective on how we must strive to conserve these natural wonders. Tholpetty is considered one of the main tourist places in Wayanad.
How to reach Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary:
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road. Thalassery is the nearest railway station about 60 km away, You can reach it easily by public or private transport.
