Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is made up of two discontinuous pockets – Muthanga and Tholpetty. About one third of the sanctuary is covered by plantations of teak, rosewood, eucalyptus and silver oak. Marshy lands also mark their presence in the sanctuary. The place also harbours rich flora and a scientific conservation is followed to keep the rare plants with due care. The sanctuary is home for a variety of animals and a casual observation of the jungle life while you travel through the way, will reveal to you this fact. You can spot herds of elephants and deer crossing the road, or frolicking in the fringes of forests. The presence of big cats, tiger, panther etc. has also been noted in this area. Langurs, bonnet macaques, bison, monkeys, sambar, Malabar squirrel and bear too can be spotted. About 216 species of birds like peacock, owl, babbler, black woodpecker, golden backed three- toed wood pecker, cuckoo and jungle fowl are found in the area.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary
Lying towards the north of the district of Wayanad, this region harbours a rich diversity of flora. Open to wildlife jeep safari twice a day, you are bound to spot various animals and bird species in their natural habitat during the 1.5-2 hour journey. A lake where animals come down for a drink is a major attraction here. The forests constitute various forest types like the tropical moist dry deciduous, patches of semi evergreen forests and trees and plants like the bamboo and long spiky bushes of ginger. Plantations of teak, eucalyptus, silver oak and rosewood cover about one third of the sanctuary. Frequent sightings of elephant herds, deers, big cats, panthers, tigers, langurs, bonnet macaques, bison, sambar deer, malabar squirrels, bears and the rare Slender Loris have all been reported in these forests. Explore this thrilling place in a jeep safari and witness animals like herds of elephants, guars, deer, monkeys, tigers, leopards, bears, and many species of reptiles, fishes, butterflies and birds including vultures. Also, if you are lucky enough you will get the chance to see tuskers, multicoloured birds and butterflies and many vines when you traverse through the entire spot.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Established in 1973, the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north east and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region. The Sanctuary has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project Elephant site.Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted occasionally as well. Various species of deer, monkeys and birds also live here. The Reserve is also home to a profusion of birds, butterflies and insects. The trees and plants in the sanctuary are typical of the south Indian moist deciduous forests and semi-evergreen forests. A drive along the road to Muthanga and further offers chances to watch these roaming animals.
Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam in Wayanad district is among the finest trekking spots in the entire country. At Pakshipathalam, one gets to walk through a thick evergreen forest that provides a safe haven to some of the rarest avian species. Ornithologists consider it a location of great interest and value. At 1,700 m above sea level, it is among the most frequented locations in the State.People who seek a challenging yet enriching trek shall find their wishes fulfilled at Pakshipathalam. A local tribal guide leads you on an exceptional trip that canvasses this unique forest area. The deep caves at the northern end give one a great view of the biodiversity of the locality. The range of bird species found here is unmatched. Herds of gaurs can be occasionally seen passing through the place while Giant Malabar Squirrels greet all who pass by. It is a wonderful way to spend a day in Wayanad while being embraced by nature from all sides.
