Welcome
to South India and experience the untouched delightful South by invasions throughout
its history. South India and the Indian heritage is more intact here than in other
regions of the country. This is a land of temples, a land of the devoutees.
Established
in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area
network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudimalai
of Tamilnadu on the south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reservem, Which has been established with the
specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region. Interestingly,
it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought valiantly against the British.Consisting
entirely of notified reserve, the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora.
The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with
due consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live
on the frings of the forest.
Topography: Gently undulating with occasional hillocks, the highest peak
is Karottimala
(1158m).
Climate: The tract receives fairly reasonable amount of rain, most of
which is
received during June to August. March, April and May are warm.
Forest Types: Most of the forests are of the south Indian moist deciduous
type. There are, however, a few patches of west coast semi evergreen forests.
About 110 sq.kms of the sanctuary is under plantations of teak, eucalyptus.
And grevelia.
Flora: In the moist deciduous forest, maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood,
venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the semi-evergreen
patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc
are common.
Fauna: The animal population of the sanctuary is varies. Elephant, tiger,
Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog, bison, deer, bear, etc. inhabit
the sanctuary. Reptiles like monitor lizard and a variety of snakes are seen.
Peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, wood pecker and jungle fowl are only a few
among the different types of birds seen in the area. Among the animals, elephant
occupies the prime position. Interstate seasonal migration of elephant is common.Tiger
population of the sanctuary is fairly good. Frequent sightings are reported
from Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla areas.
Administration: The sanctuary comes under the Wayanand Wildlife Division
with head quarters
at Sultan Bathery.
Wildlife Tourism: Good roads connect the sanctuary with Kozhikode, Mysore
and Ootty. They are also connected by rail and are within 110 kms from the sanctuary.
The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can halt at Sultan Bathery or Mananthavadi
and visit the sanctuary Government rest houses and private lodges offer accommodation.
Established
in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area
network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Mudimalai
of Tamilnadu on the south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral
part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reservem, Which has been established with the
specific objective of conservating the biological heritage of the region. Interestingly,
it was from here that Pazhassi Raja fought valiantly against the British.Consisting
entirely of notified reserve, the sanctuary is very rich in fauna and flora.
The management of the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with
due consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live
on the frings of the forest. 
