Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuaryis an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary emphasis on scientific conservation; with due consideration for the general life styles of tribals and others who live in and around the forest. The vegetation is predominantly moist deciduous forest with small stretches of swamps, teak forests; bamboo and tall grass.Rare herbs and medicinal plants are found in Muthanga.

ALSO SEE- Best Time to Visit Wayanad

Established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973, Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad spread over an area of 345 sq km is an abode of rich flora and fauna. This Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and bio-geographically one of the richest tracts of peninsular India. This wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad bears a special historic connection to our freedom movement as it was here that the Pazhassi king engaged in warfare with the East India Company in 1805.

With numerous watering holes Muthanga has been declared a Project Elephant site. Jungle Cats, Panthers, Civet Cat, Monkeys, Wild dogs, Deer, Spotted Bears, Bisons, Gaurs, Cheetah, Peacock, Owls, Jungle fowls, Woodpeckers, etc. can be seen here. The reserve is home to a small population of Tigers. Elephant rides are arranged here by the forest department. Tourists can prefer jeep drives through the forest path with a local guide sanctioned by the forest department.

Home to animals like tigers, elephants, panthers, wild bears, and bison, the wildlife sanctuary has always been a prominent tourist attraction in the district. You can head on this exciting journey through a jeep or bus safari, depending on what excites you.

Muthanga Wildlife Safari

The Wayanad wildlife sanctuary is divided into four parts: Kurichyad, Muthanga, Sulthan Bathery, and Tholpetty. Out of these four, Muthanga and Tholpetty are the most popular among tourists. Their atmosphere has something that can instantly uplift your mood and relieve your stress.

The featured ecotourism programme of Wayanad is the two-hour Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari conducted by the forest department in the tourist zone of Muthanga forest. 

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary unlike any other is full of surprises and thrills. It provides you with an opportunity to witness nature’s inhabitants in their natural habitat displaying raw emotions.

Bus safari by the Forest Department: If you are not a fan of an open jeep, a bus is the right option for you. Immerse yourself in the sounds of chirping birds and wandering animals while riding through the jungle safely. You will be guided by an expert who gives you insight into the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity and history.

Bus Timings: 7 to 10 am and 3 to 5 pm

Experience Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Fees: INR 349 (Adults and Children) and INR 700 (Foreigners)

P.S. Reach half an hour before your safari time for convenient boarding.

Jeep Safari by the Sanctuary Officials: A jeep safari is the perfect ride for you if you seek adventure. Driving through the rough terrain in an open vehicle is a thrilling and fun experience. You will be appointed a driver who will take you through the adventure. He will also guide you through the exciting stories and facts about wildlife.

Bus Timings: 7 to 10 am and 3 to 5 pm

Experience Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Fees: INR 2,100 (Adults and Children) and INR 4,200 (Foreigners)

P.S. Reach half an hour before your safari time to buy your tickets from the counter. In case of peak season, it is advisable to reach earlier.

Embark on a wonderful experience to explore the beauty of Muthanga wildlife and vivid flora and fauna with Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Jeep Safari.

Muthanga Wildlife Safari is held in the morning and evening when animal activity in the tourism zone is relatively high. Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary safari timings are from 7 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Entry Fee to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary Wayanad

For Indians: Rs.10 per person

For children below 12 years and bonafide students: Rs. 5 per head

For Foreigners: Rs.100 per person

Muthanga Wildlife is a rainforest on the way to Bandipur from Nagarhole Park. Covering approximately 345 sq. km of land, the natural attraction is home to flora and fauna. The second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, Muthanga, was established in 1973 and is enveloped with various plants and trees. You can explore plants like rosewood, maruthi, vengal, karimaruthi, and venteak, and learn a lot about them.

Coming to the animals, Muthanga Sanctuary is home to jungle cats, elephants, civet cats, and monkeys (among others). However, the list doesn’t end here. You can also spot several birds here, including babblers, peacocks, cuckoos, jungle fowls, and woodpeckers.

Best Time to Visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary attracts tourists all year round with its lush green forests. The post-monsoon and winter period remains a pleasant time to visit Muthanga Wayanad as nature is at its best. This wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad is open only from August to February. The best time to visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to February.

The enthralling mountains, beautiful Muthanga forest and diverse wildlife make Muthanga Wayanad a must-visit destination.

Plan your trip to Kerala and do visit Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary that offers a different experience altogether for those who want to spend time in the wild soaking tranquil greenery.

How to Reach Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

The distance of Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary from Wayanad: Approximately 38 km

You can reach the tourist destination through one of the following ways:

By Flight:

The closest airport to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is Calicut International Airport in Kerala.

o   Distance: 119.9 km

o   Route: Via NH 766

o   Travel Time: 3 hours 31 minutes

By Train:

The closest to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is the Mysore Railway Station.

o   Distance: 92 km

o   Route: Mysore- Gundalpet

o   Travel Time: 2 hours

By Road:

You can easily reach Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary from Calicut via bus, cab, or self-driving car.

o   Distance: 110 km

o   Route: Calicut – Thamarassery – Vythiri – Chundel – Kalpetta - Meenangadi –Sulthan Bathery - Muthanga

o   Travel Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Things to Remember While Visiting Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are travelling to the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time, remember to abide by the Forest Department rules. Although it’s a great opportunity to experience the wildlife, the ecosystem is fragile and requires care. Here is what you need to take care of:

•   Exercise caution and patience if you spot animals.
•   Avoid littering the jungle. Always put trash in the bins.
•   Do not feed wild animals, as it can be risky.
•   Maintain a safe distance from the animals. Admire them from afar.
•   Animals are the rulers of the forest. Give them way and don’t try to overpower.
•   Wear an outfit that merges with the surroundings for safety. Such clothes will camouflage and protect you from animals.
•   Do not play loud music or speak in a high pitch. It can scare the animals.
•   Follow the directions provided by your tour guide and forest staff. Don’t go your own way, as it can lead to getting lost.
•   Avoid smoking or lighting any kind of fire, as it is not friendly to the forest.