Situated on the Kerala side of the gigantic Western Ghats and amid abundant wealth of flora and fauna, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural habitat to numerous wild animals. Spread across 344 sq km, it was declared a sanctuary in 1973 and is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. On the way to Sultan Battery from Mysore, the sanctuary lies in the Wayanad district, which is why it is also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Forming an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary is bounded by Nagarhole and Bandipur sanctuaries of Karnataka in the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu in the southeast. The altitude of the sanctuary ranges from 650 meters to 1150 meters, with the highest peak being Karottimala at 1158 meters.
The biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar, the sanctuary is an ideal destination to spot herds of wild elephants in their natural habitat. The large population of pachyderms has declared Muthanga as a Project Elephant site. Rich in an exotic variety of flora and fauna, the sanctuary is a photographer's paradise. Right from elephants to tigers, you can sight several animals frequently. Some other animals found here include spotted deer, monkeys, leopard, bison, sloth bear, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, wild dogs, lizards, wild pigs, lion-tailed macaque, sambar, and wild boar. The diverse flora boasts of South Indian moist deciduous forests, west coast semi evergreen forests, and plantations of teak, eucalyptus, and grewelia. According to statistical reports, 45 species of mammals, 203 of birds, 45 of reptiles, 30 of amphibians, and 59 of fish are found here.
Untouched by human habitation, this sanctuary is among the most naturally beautiful locations of Kerala - a perfect place for nature and wildlife lovers. The stunning locales and wildlife of the region make for some of the finest shots that are worth capturing. To discover the beautiful green world, take an elephant ride and follow the trails at the sanctuary. Do not miss capturing the tiny colorful butterflies flitting on sweet flowers and pretty shrubs. The sanctuary experiences a salubrious climate all through the year with temperatures ranging between 13 0C to 32 0C. Although it can get humid, but the forest breeze that flows consistently makes it pleasant. It receives about 2000 mm of average annual rainfall.
Although Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is open for visit all through the year, but the perfect season to visit the flourishing beauty is from June to October. The sanctuary is easily accessible via air, rail, and road. The closest airdrome from the sanctuary is Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode, about 120 km, with the nearest railway station being at Kozhikode at 97 km, both from Sultan Battery. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is an ideal destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
The Muthanga wildlife sanctuary is one of the
wildlife sanctuaries that come under the Project Elephant.
Holidays in Kerala : Wildlife in Kerala : Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
