Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (encompassing the renowned Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges), sprawling across 344.44 square kilometers of pristine tropical rainforest in Wayanad in Kerala, stands as Kerala's second largest, ecologically richest, and most exhilarating wildlife and jungle safari destination.

Established in 1973 as an integral cornerstone of the UNESCO Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and Project Elephant, this vast sanctuary forms a continuous, contiguous wildlife corridor alongside Karnataka's Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks and Tamil Nadu's Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, creating the largest protected habitat for wild Asian elephants and Bengal tigers in South India.

It's the home of thriving herds of wild Asian elephants roaming through teak and bamboo groves, majestic Indian gaurs (bison), Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar and spotted deer, over 216 avian species including Malabar pied hornbills, thrilling 4x4 open jeep forest safaris led by indigenous tribal trackers, and the famous Muthanga elephant camp.

It represents a rich ecological haven where dense Western Ghats deciduous canopies, ancient tribal conservation wisdom, cool high altitude breezes, and untamed wildlife encounters unite in Gods Own Country.

Located in two primary eco tourism zones, Muthanga (16 km east of Sulthan Bathery along NH 766) and Tholpetty (24 km north of Mananthavady)—it sits 40 km from Kalpetta, 100 km from Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT), 110 km from Calicut Airport (CCJ), and 100 km from Mysore, easily accessible by interstate KSRTC bus, private car, or safari taxi.

The 344 Sq Km Nilgiri Biosphere Corridor

Formed by rolling hills, shallow marshy grasslands (Vayals), and dense moist deciduous trees, the sanctuary provides vital foraging and migration corridors for over 1,000 wild Asian elephants.

Because it borders the vast protected forest belts of Bandipur and Nagarhole across state boundaries, large mammal populations move freely across the landscapes without human hindrance.

Truth is, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary boasts one of the highest densities of Indian bison (gaur) and Asian elephants in the country, guaranteeing remarkable sightings on morning and afternoon jeep safaris.

Muthanga vs Tholpetty Jeep Safari Ranges

Muthanga Eco Tourism Zone: Located in South Wayanad bordering Bandipur, Muthanga is famous for elephant herds, herds of spotted deer, peacock dances, and occasional tiger and leopard sightings along the forest track.

Tholpetty Eco Tourism Zone: Located in North Wayanad near Karnataka's Nagarhole border, Tholpetty features natural forest lakes and waterholes where herds of gaur, sloth bears, and Malabar giant squirrels gather to drink at dusk.

Birdwatching & Indigenous Tribal Guides

Avian Paradise: Birdwatchers can spot over 216 rare species, including the Malabar grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, emerald dove, scarlet minivet, and colorful forest woodpeckers.

Tribal Eco Guides: Safaris are accompanied by local Kuruma and Paniya tribal trackers whose generational bushcraft and acute animal tracking skills help visitors spot camouflaged wildlife safely.

After completing your wildlife safari at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the 13th century Jain Citadel at Sulthan Bathery, hike up to the ancient petroglyphs at Edakkal Caves, or enjoy boating at Pookode Lake.