Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary - A Guide to Wayanad's Premier Wildlife Safari

Wayanad, KeralaWILDLIFE

Explore this part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve on a jeep safari to see wild elephants, deer, and diverse bird species in a lush forest setting.

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Info

WILDLIFE

Info

2-3 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, officially known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, is a key conservation area in the Western Ghats. Spread over 344 square kilometers, it is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The landscape is primarily moist deciduous forest with patches of semi-evergreen trees, bamboo groves, and marshy areas, providing a rich habitat for a variety of animals. The main activity for visitors is the jeep safari, which takes you along designated forest trails. During the safari, you have a good chance of spotting large herds of Asiatic elephants, as the sanctuary is a Project Elephant site. Other frequently seen animals include spotted deer, sambar deer, Indian gaur (bison), langurs, and Malabar giant squirrels. While tigers and leopards are present, sightings are rare. The experience is less about chasing specific animals and more about appreciating the dense forest environment, the diverse birdlife, and the quiet of the wild.

Contact Information

Phone: -225299

Why This Place is Special

• Large free-roaming herds of Asiatic elephants
• Being an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve
• Guided jeep safaris through dense forest trails
• Frequent sightings of spotted deer, sambar deer, and Indian gaur
• Rich birdlife, including peacocks, woodpeckers, and jungle fowl
• Moist deciduous forests interspersed with bamboo thickets
• Its contiguous border with national parks in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

Ideal For

Nature loversPhotographersFamiliesGroupsAdventure seekers

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Restrooms
• Information center
• Ticket counter
• Seating areas
• Drinking water

Visitor Tips

• Book your safari tickets in advance online, as on-the-spot tickets are limited and queues can be long.
• Opt for the early morning safari (around 7:00 AM) for the best chances of animal sightings and pleasant weather.
• Wear earth-toned or camouflage clothing to blend in with the surroundings and avoid disturbing the animals.
• Carry a good pair of binoculars and a zoom lens for your camera to get better views and photos from a distance.
• Maintain complete silence during the safari. Loud noises can scare away wildlife.
• The sanctuary is often closed from February to April due to dry conditions and fire risk. Always check the official status before planning your visit.
• Carry insect repellent, especially during the post-monsoon months.
• Do not carry any food items on the safari, as feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not get down from the safari vehicle at any point.
• Strictly no feeding the animals.
• Plastic bags and bottles are discouraged
• carry reusable alternatives.
• Maintain silence and do not play music.
• Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited.
• Private vehicles are not allowed inside the core sanctuary area
• only registered jeeps are permitted for safaris.

Safety Information

• Always follow the instructions of your forest guide and driver during the safari.
• Do not extend your hands or camera outside the jeep, especially near animals.
• Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the wildlife.
• Carry a basic first-aid kit, including any personal medications.
• Mobile network coverage is poor to non-existent inside the sanctuary.
• Ensure your water bottle is secure and does not fall out of the vehicle, as littering is a serious offense.
• Be aware of your surroundings at the entrance and parking areas
• do not leave valuables in your car.

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Location & Address

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga, Sulthan Bathery, Kerala 673592, Muthanga, Wayanad, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best period to visit is from October to May, after the monsoon, when the forest is lush and green. The weather is pleasant, and animal sightings are more frequent near water bodies. The sanctuary is typically closed to visitors for a few months during the dry summer season, usually from February to April, to prevent forest fires. Always verify the opening status with the forest department before planning your trip, especially between February and May. Monsoons (June to September) see heavy rainfall, making safaris difficult.
Peak Crowd: December-January, long weekends, and school holidays (Christmas, summer vacation) attract the largest number of tourists.
Moderate Crowd: Weekends from October to February and during the month of May.
Low Crowd: Weekdays, especially from October to November and just before the summer closure.

How to Reach

Air

Calicut International Airport (CCJ) in Kozhikode is the nearest airport, located about 110 km away. It takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach the sanctuary by taxi from the airport.

Train

The nearest major railway station is Kozhikode (Calicut), about 100 km away. The station is well-connected to major Indian cities. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Sulthan Bathery and then proceed to Muthanga.

Road

Muthanga is located on the Kozhikode-Mysuru National Highway (NH 766). It is well-connected by road. It is about 16 km from Sulthan Bathery, 280 km from Bengaluru (6-7 hours), and 100 km from Mysuru (2-3 hours). State-run and private buses operate frequently to Sulthan Bathery from major cities.

Local Transport

Within Wayanad, the best way to get around is by hiring a taxi. Auto-rickshaws are available for shorter distances from Sulthan Bathery. Some local buses connect towns, but service to the sanctuary gate is limited.