Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Location

The wildlife sanctuary lies in the Forest Division of Kerala region of Kerala. Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Kerala.

History

Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act to conserve native wildlife corridors, watersheds, and forest ecosystems in Kerala.

Landscape, Geography & Habitat

Covering an exact area of 344.44 sq km, the sanctuary’s terrain features Tropical moist evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen broadleaf forest, shola-grassland complex, and teak-bamboo hill slopes.

Flora

Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia), Teak (Tectona grandis), Vateria indica, Dipterocarpus indicus, Hopea parviflora, Mesua ferrea (Nahar), Bamboo (Bambusa bambos), and native Orchids..

Fauna

The sanctuary harbors a diverse array of mammalian, reptilian, and avian wildlife:

• Primary Mammals: Asian Elephant (flagship wild elephant population!), Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer (Chital), Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Dhole (Wild Dog).
• Predators & Carnivores: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Wild Dog (Dhole), Sloth Bear, Jungle Cat, Golden Jackal.
• Herbivores & Ungulates: Asian Elephant, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar Deer, Chital, Barking Deer.
• Reptiles & Amphibians: King Cobra, Malabar Pit Viper, Indian Python, Travancore Tortoise, Monitor Lizard.

Other Wild Animals & Avifauna

• Resident Woodland Birds: Great Indian Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Frogmouth, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Emerald Dove.
• Raptors & Owls: Crested Serpent Eagle, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Black Baza, Changeable Hawk-Eagle.
• Migratory Species: Indian Pitta, Paradise Flycatcher, Grey Wagtail, Blue-bearded Bee-eater.

Rivers & Water Bodies

The lifeline of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is sustained by: Kabini River (tributary of Kaveri River) and Karapuzha River.

Other Attractions

Major nearby tourist attractions and historic viewpoints include: Kerala Backwaters, Munnar Tea Gardens, Athirappilly Waterfalls, Ancient Temples.

Weather & Climate

Subtropical climate with pleasant winters (12°C to 26°C) and warm summers (24°C to 38°C).

How to Reach

• Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) / Calicut Airport (CCJ) / Trivandrum (TRV) – 35 to 85 km
• Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction (ERS) / Thiruvananthapuram (TVC) / Kozhikode (CLT) – 15 to 50 km
• Road Connectivity: Well connected via state highways and district road networks in Kerala.

Best Time to Visit

The optimal season for visiting Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to April.

Accommodation

Forest Rest Houses and State Tourism eco-lodges near Forest Division of Kerala.. Advance booking through official portals is recommended.

Conservation Highlights

Key conservation zone protecting native wildlife corridors and forest watersheds in Kerala.

Visitor Tips

Obtain necessary entry permits from the local forest division office prior to visiting.

Did You Know?

• Official protected Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala notified under Indian wildlife conservation acts.
• Preserves key wildlife species including Asian Elephant (flagship wild elephant population!) and native avifauna.
• Covers an exact area of 344.44 sq km along the Kabini River (tributary of Kaveri River) and Karapuzha River watershed.