Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, The Second Largest Sanctuary In Kerala

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, in the South Indian state of Kerala. The sanctuary lies on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery. The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is said to be the second largest sanctuary in the state of Kerala. The region is blessed with lush green forests and a wide variety of wildlife inhabiting at these forests.

The sanctuary also holds some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. (include: things to do, how to reach, best time to visit, accommodation)

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1973 and now it has become the integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The area of the sanctuary is bordered by preserved area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka in the northeast direction, and on the southeast direction, by Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu.

Flora and Fauna

The trees and plants in the sanctuary are very typical to that of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and west coast semi evergreen forests. Some of the major species of trees found in this area are Tectona grandis, Dalbergia latifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Pterocarpus marsupium, Vateria indica, Artocarpus hirsute and many more. 

The sanctuary is a home to about 45 species of mammals like elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bison, deer and bears. It is also home to around 203 species of birds like peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers and jungle fowl. Around 45 species of reptiles, 30 species of amphibians and 59 species of fishes also inhabit this sanctuary.

Things to Do

As the sanctuary is stretched over an area of about 345 sq. km, inhabiting a wide range of rich flora and fauna, it is one of the best wildlife reserves to visit in Kerala. It is an ideal destination for bird watching, and observing different species of wild animals wandering at their natural surroundings. Another reason for the popularity of the place is due to its link with two other well known sanctuaries, situated in areas of Mudumalai and Bandipur.

The chief attraction of the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is its wildlife safari where tourists get an opportunity to spot wild animals such as gaur, dholes, cheetah, tigers, jackals and many more.

The elephant rides are also arranged on a regular basis after taking permission from the Forest Department and while on a ride, one can even spot the rare Bengal Tiger.

Since the sanctuary has been declared a site of Project Elephant, from the year 1992, one can see large number of elephants roaming around in a carefree manner at this place.  

Another major attraction of this sanctuary is the tea and coffee plantations within the sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is from November to May.

Accommodation

There are plenty of budget as well as luxurious facilities for accommodation surrounding the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary and its nearby places. Hence, one will not face much of a trouble for staying while on a trip to the sanctuary.

How to Reach

By Road: The nearest place to reach the sanctuary through road is Sultan Bathery, located at a distance of around 16 km from the place.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to this sanctuary is Kozhikode, which is located at a distance of about 97 km from Sulthan Bathery.

By Air: The nearest airport to this sanctuary is Karipur International Airport, in Kozhikode, at a distance of around 120 km from Sulthan Bathery.

Categories: wildlife.