In
the northeast
Kerala in
the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across
two disconnected parts. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was constituted in
the year 1973 and was active part of one of the first 14 Biospheres of
India. The sanctuary is also the part of Project Elephant launched to
protect wild elephant population.
Spread over an area of 345 sq.kms it is second largest sanctuary in Kerala.
Besides abundance of fauna bamboo and eucalyptus are grown for industrial
motif. There are plenty of lakes, streams, greenery and secret treks. To
move into the park one has to cross Sulthan Bathery. There are two egresses
inside the parks namely Muthanga Wildlife Range(upper WLS) and Tholpetty
Wildlife Range(lower WLS). Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary for a perfect
trip experience.
Wildlife Attractions in Wayanad
Sanctuary
Wayanad Sanctuary has a number of animal attractions. Elephants are a major
attractions for visitors to the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also
enjoy watching tiger in Wayanad Sanctuary. Other animal inmates in Wayanad
Wildlife Sanctuary include panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild
dogs, bisons, deer and bears, monitor lizards etc.
A wildlife trip to Wayanad also gives you the opportunity of bird watching.
Commonly sighted birds include peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, woodpecker
and jungle fowl.
Wildlife Safaris in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
The main and and perhaps only activity only activity possible to a visitor
to this sanctuary is to go on a jeep safari. Animals sightings are best in
the early hours or in the evening just before the sunset. So start by 6 am
or so. You need prior permission from the forest deptt. In the course of day
you can expect to see elephant, gaur, herds of deer and wild pigs in
significant number. The elephants in the Wayanad forest are more
temperamental than their counterparts. The night drive plying you with
several opportunities to spot a gaur, bif cat, leopard or even a tiger!
Other Attractions in Wayanad Sanctuary
Birdwatching
Wayanad is a paradise for watching birds. You can see variety of birds
around in Inspection Bungalows itself and a short walk ion the direction
will reveal more treasures. There is also an abundance of insect life.
Trekking
A sojourn in wild Wayanad can be combined with a visit to the temple at
Thirunelly and trek to Pakshipathalam. The trek is lovely, and traverses
ravishingly beautiful forestland till it reaches huge cavernous rocks, with
thousand of roosting bats. At many locations and instances you can also spot
wild playful otters, a crested serpent eagle and many others. The place's
name means Netherworld of Bird's!! On the trail it is quiet common for the
trekkers to encounter wild animals and it best employs a service of tribal
local guide. It is absolutely important to obtain prior permission of any
Forest Department.
If
you are ready to embark on a journey to isolated zones of Wayanad, the best
place would be Dasankhetta, where there is a pool with a watch tower
overlooking it. This is truly a wild area, isolated from all human activity.
The only sound you can hear is that of birds and rustle of winds.
Other Attraction Near Bandipur : Nagarhole National Park, Bandipur
National, Mudumalai National Park, Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore.
How to reach Wayanad Sanctuary
The nearest airport is Karipur International at Kozhikode. The closest
railhead is Kozhikode. Road route from Kozhikode to upper Wayanad WLS lies
on NH212. Visitors can get regular buses and taxis from Kozhikode to
Wayanad. Local transport is available throughout.
Wildlife Resorts in Wayanad
In the fringe areas of the sanctuary are inspection Bungalows of Kerala
Forest Department. You can stay here with prior permission and can also hire
a guide at Rs 100 per day. You can choose to stay at the following jungle
lodges in Wayanad.
» Forest Wood House
» Rain Country Resort
» Stream Valley Resorts
» Green Magic Nature Resorts
