11.764576.2437Wayanad, Kerala

WILDLIFE

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Safari Guide & Timings

Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this sanctuary is known for its large elephant population and guided jeep safaris through dense deciduous forests.

Wayanad, Kerala2-3 hours7:00 AM – 5:00 PM₹115No Photography

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Best Season:The best period to visit is from October to March. During these months, the weather is cool and pleasant, and the forest is lush green after the monsoons. Animal sightings are generally better as vegetation is not overly dense and animals come out to bask in the sun. The summer months of April and May can be hot, but sightings near water bodies increase. The sanctuary is often closed during the peak monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rains and inaccessible trails.

Duration:2-3 hours

Entry (Indian):₹115

Entry (Foreign):₹300

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an important conservation area in the Western Ghats, forming an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It's composed of two main sections: Muthanga in the east and Tholpetty in the north. The sanctuary is characterized by moist deciduous forests, teak plantations, and patches of semi-evergreen forests, creating a habitat for a wide variety of animals. Visitors primarily come here for the jeep safari experience, which takes them along designated forest tracks.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

December-January, weekends, and public holidays like Christmas and Onam, due to pleasant weather and holiday season.

Moderate

October-November and February-March, during weekdays.

Low Season

April-May due to heat, and June-September when the sanctuary may be partially or fully closed for monsoons.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹115

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹300

Per person

Opening Hours

7:00 AM — 5:00 PM

Safari timings are typically in two slots: Morning from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and Afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The ticket counter opens earlier, and it's advisable to reach well in advance as tickets are limited. The sanctuary may be closed during heavy monsoons (June-August).

Fees are per person. Indian Adult: ₹115, Children: ₹40, Foreign Adult: ₹300. Still Camera: ₹40. Video Camera: ₹225. Jeep Safari costs approximately ₹750 per vehicle (for up to 7 people). A guide fee of around ₹100-₹200 may also be applicable. Prices are subject to change by the Forest Department.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Muthanga Range, Sulthan Bathery & Tholpetty Range, Mananthavady

Coordinates

11.7645, 76.2437

Nearest City

Wayanad

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How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

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

By Train

Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT) is the nearest major railway station, approximately 100 km away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities. Taxis and buses ar...

By Road

Wayanad is well-connected by road. NH 766 passes through the district. It's about 100 km from Mysuru, 110 km from Kozhikode, and 280 km from Bengaluru. State-ru...

Local Transport

To reach the sanctuary gates at Muthanga or Tholpetty, you need to hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from nearby towns like Sulthan Bathery or Mananthavady. The s...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was created to conserve the region's rich biodiversity. It was brought under the umbrella of Project Elephant in 1991-92 to protect the large and migratory elephant populations. The sanctuary is contiguous with Nagarhole and Bandipur National Parks...

Significance

The sanctuary's primary significance lies in its role within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India's first biosphere reserve. It serves as a vital wildlife corridor connecting protected areas in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, which is critical for the genetic diversity of large mammals. It suppor...

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