Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala was established in 1973. The sanctuary is the contiguous part of the of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnatka on its north-east and Mudimalai of Tamil Nadu on its south-east. Being rich in collection of Bio-diversity the place is also a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. This reserve has been established with the objective of conservation of the biological heritage of this region. This sanctuary has a rich collection of flora and fauna. The main attention of the management of the sanctuary is on scientific conservation but in addition they also concentrate on the lifestyle of the Tribals of the forest.
There are many occasional hillocks which are gently undulating. But the highest peak of all is Karottimala which is 1158 m.
The land here receives good rainfall. Mostly during the month of June to August where as March, April and May are warm.
Mainly the forests here have a touch of south indian deciduous type. In addition they have few patches of west coast that is semi evergreen forests. 110 sq.km of this sanctuary is under plantation of teak, eucalyptus ans grevelia.
In the forest here common types of flora are maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the semi-evergreen patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc.
There are different types of animal population in the sanctuary. Elephant, tiger, Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog, bison, deer, bear, etc. One can also see reptiles like monitor lizard and a variety of snakes. In the category of birds comes Peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, wood pecker and jungle fowl.
Elephant occupies the main position in the sanctuary. Within the states the migration of elephant is a common thing here. Population of tiger is also good which are mostly seen in the area Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla.
The sanctuary comes under the administration of Wayanand Wildlife Division whose headquarters are located at Sultan Bathery.
The place is well connected by roads with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ooty. Nearest railway station is 110 kms from the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can take a break at Sultan Bathery or Mananthavadi. They can visit the government rest house and private lodge there for accomodation.
