Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Location
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. Wayanad Bird Sanctuary, 15 kms from Calicut is bisected by a tract of cultivated land into two distinct parts. One falls in the Kozhikode District and the other in the Kannur District. Wayanad literally means the 'land of swamps'. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the nilgiri biosphere reserve, which has been established with the chief objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region.
The sanctuary has excellent moist deciduous teak forests and marshes dominated by bamboo and other grasses. These forests are also said to be amongst the most extensively forested belts in the Indian Peninsula.Major Attractions In Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Here one can find freely roaming elephants and tigers.This sanctuary spread over 345 sq km is rich with fauna and flora, and comes under Project Elephant.Elephants roam freely here and tigers are sighted frequently. Various species of deer, monkeys, birds etc also live here.A drive along the road to Muthanga and further, offers chances to watch these roaming beasts. Elephant rides are arranged by the Forest Department.
On tours to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, you can visit the enchanting Chembra Peak, the highest peak in Wayanad, offering ideal conditions for trekking. Other must visit tourist attractions here includes the Edakkal Caves with some interesting ancient carvings on the walls representing human and animal figures, Kuruva Island, Pookat Lake and Sentinel Rock waterfalls. Visitors can also enjoy exciting elephant rides in the lush surroundings of the sanctuary.
