About:

The Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Indian state, that is in Tholpetty, Waynad district of Kerala. A part of the Waynad Plateau, this wildlife park in Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find during holidays in Waynad. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises two districts of Kerala i.e. in the north; it is a part of the Cannanore district while its southern part is located in the Calicut district. The park extends from the latitude 11°15' in the North to the longitude 76°30' in the East. There is a good road network that connects the sanctuary with the other important places in Kerala. If you are in Wayanad on your Kerala tour, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a must visit. The sanctuary is part of the Wayanad plateu and is home to tigers, leopards, elephants and a number of other animals. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is located 16 kilometres east of Sultan's Battery and is also known as Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to Bandipur National Park, which is in Karnataka and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and is rich in bio diversity.

The sanctuary was formed in the year 1973 and was brought under the Project Elephant in the year 1991-92. Occupying an area of 345 sq km, the Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary happens to be the second largest one in the state of Kerala. The sanctuary is separated into two disconnected parts known as the Upper Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Tholpetty) in the north and Lower Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Muthanga) in the south. The area in between the two parts was orginally a forest region, though it is now occupied majorly by plantations. The term Wayanad literally means 'land of swamps'. A visit to the Sanctuary offers tourists a chance to witness the efforts made by the management to conserve the biological reserve of the park. The scenic beauty and the variety of flora and fauna also keep the visitors busy and entertained. the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find here. The sanctuary is an extension of the Bandipur National Park in Kerala at its southern border. The region, which is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, was notified in the year 1973 as a Wildlife Sanctuary. The Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary houses animals of the genre of civet cat, panthers, tigers, bisons, wild dogs, and elephants, which are star attractions for the adventurers who have an inclination towards outdoor tourism.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 consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live on the frings of the forest.

In addition to exceptional natural beauty and amazing wildlife of the sanctuary, there are several interesting tourist attractions in the region. On tours to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, you can visit the enchanting Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, offering ideal conditions for trekking. Other must visit tourist attractions here includes the Edakkal Caves with some interesting ancient carvings on the walls representing human and animal figures, Kuruva Island, Pookat Lake and Sentinel Rock waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy exciting elephant rides in the lush surroundings of the sanctuary.
While planning your trip to Wayanad keep in mind that the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuary is from August to May. During the rest of the year the monsoons, heat and cold affect the flora and fauna. In terms of accommodation the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary offers rest houses, tourist lodges and hotels. Though the accommodation options are comfortable they are not luxurious. The basic facilities are available in the most of them. The forest department maintains many of the lodges and the rest houses in the vicinity of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Edakkal Caves:

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located 1000 metres high on Ambukutty Mala 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India"s Western Ghats. They lie on an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the Malabar coast ports. Inside the caves are pictorical writings believed to be from neolithic man, evidence of the presence of a prehistoric civilisation existing in this region. Such stone age carvings are very rare and these are the only known examples in southern India.

PAKSHIPATHALAM :-

The labyrinth of Pakshipathalam is another fascinating trek. Pakshipathalam is the abode of various exotic birds & wild beasts. This is a challenging tourist spot for any adventure-seeking tourist. Wayanad is within easy reach of five wildlife preserves. Bandipur, Nagerhole, Muthanga, Begur and Tholpatty. These wildlife sanctuaries are home to many species of birds and wild animals. You can sight a spotted deer or a solitary tusker. Or the greatest hunter of them all - the tiger.

Wayanad Heritage Museum:

The Wayanad Heritage Museum is home to a collection of archeological finds that highlight the history, culture and heritage of the Wayanad region.
Exhibits at the Wayanad Heritage Museum include sculptures of deities from the 14th to 16th C, headgear, weapons, pottery, jewelry, fish traps, and artifacts associated with tribal life. The figure of Nandi and other deities were collected from various parts of the region.

Sultan Bathery :

Located in the Wayanad district, Sultan Bathery is a small town that derives its present name from the famous ruler Tipu Sultan of Mysore. He built a fort over here in the 18th century. It is also known as Sultan Battery of Wayanad district. Though the fort does not remain any more, the place is worth the visit for the famous Jain Temple. The place was previously known by the name of Ganapathivattom.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Kozhikode Railway Station

Nearest Airport:

Karipur international airport at Kozhikode

Road Transport:

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.

Nearest Visiting places:

Meenmutty Water Falls:

Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.It is Kerala"s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting.

Soochipara Falls:

The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.

Sentinel rocks falls:

Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.

Banasura sagar project:

Banasura sagar project-21 kms north east of Kalpetta. Situated at Padinjarathara. A mini hydel project with the largest earth dam in India and the second largest in Asia is being built here. The Banasura project precincts are an ideal starting point for treks to the Banasura Peak.

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:

Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.

Lakkidi:

The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Chain Tree:

Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman

Pakshipathalam:

Pakshipathalam is 7 km towards the north-east of Thirunelli Temple, in the Wayanad district in Kerala. Pakshipathalam is snuggled nearly 1740m above the sea level and a heaven for passionate bird lovers. With moist deciduous forests traveling to Pakshipathalam is a venture. Steep hills, streamlets and trekking make this place an ideal picnic spot.

Papanashini:

Papanashini meaning "Washing of sins" is a river in Kerala. Papanashini has a story of its origin. Lord Brahma was making Vishnu’s idol and at the same time Garuda with a pot of nectar called Amrit Kumbha reached the installation place. When Garuda was completing his circling, one drop of Amrita fell into the stream, and hence the stream obtained the power of purification. After this incident, the stream was referred as Papanashini.

Mananthavady Park :

Mananthavady Park is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha. The park is also known for its bat colony. The attempts by the authorities to get rid of the bats lead to protests by environmental activists.

Valliyoorkkavu :

This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities

Pookot Lake:

The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh-water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Jungle Retreat Wayanad
Thirunelli Tholpetty Road
Thirunelli, Wayanad
Kerala 682398
Tel: 09620310449.

Aritagiri Hotel & Ayurvedic Village
Kalpetta,Waynad
Kerala 673576
Tel: 022 66181940.

Wayanad Hotels/Resorts
No.174/6, K.C Building
Ambalavayal, Kalpetta
Kerala 67312
Tel: 09947474888.

Meenmutty resorts
chellangode, wayanad
kalpetta, Kerala 67312
Tel: 0495 4017113.

Wayanad Hotels & Resort
Muthanga, Kambakody,Nenmeny Kunn
Sultan Batheri, Wayanad
Kerala 673595
Tel: 094 46018101.

Green Magic Nature Resort 2
Meppadi, Wayanad
Kerala 673577
Tel: 0487 2420556.

Tropical ForRest Homestays
Opp. Oriental School of Management
Lakkidi, Wayanad
Kerala 673576
Tel: 0495 2370010.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Pothuckal police station
Pothuckal, Chungathara
Malapuram
Kerala.

Chevayur Police Station
A. R. Camp Road, Vellimadukunnu
Calicut, Kozhikode
Kerala 673012.

Nearest Hospital:

Homoeo Hospital
Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala State.

Assumption Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad, Kerala.

Vinayaka Hospital
Sultan Bathery, Wayanad,
Kerala
Tel: 04936 220102.

Link:

http://keralatourist-place.blogspot.com/2009/08/wayanad-wildlife-sanctuary-muthanga.html
http://visakhapatnamtourism.blogspot.com/2009/08/wayanad-tourism.html
http://munnartravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/rajamala-wildlife-santuary.html
http://bigcatnews.blogspot.com/2009/05/10-tigers-sighted-in-wayanad-sanctuary.html