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Bordering the Bandipur reserve forest of Karnataka, the forest of Muthanga is part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Other than Muthanga, Sulthan Bathery, Kurichiat and Tholpetty form part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rich in biodiversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The Muthanga range is home to moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests, bamboo thickets and plantations.
Situated on the border of Coorg and Wayanad, the Muthanga forest houses rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. It has a large number of jumbos and has been declared a Project Elephant site. Tigers, leopards, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, dhole, gaur, deer, sloth bear, monitor lizards and a variety of snakes are commonly spotted here. Some of the birds in the region are peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers and jungle fowls. The sanctuary is also home to the last of the surviving vultures in the state.
The jeep safari here offers excellent opportunities to watch various animals, especially elephants, at close quarters. The ride through these well-curated trails gives us a glimpse of the innate character of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The indigenous tribal communities of Muthanga live along the forest fringes. They remind us of the simple ways of living without harming the ecosystem.
A two-storeyed eco hut called Cerambi is a popular accommodation unit in the region. A reminder of the colonial past, the wooden construction is surrounded by the forest, and is a never-before experience to stay in the double rooms here.
To have a glimpse of jeep safari at Muthanga, check: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE_ZNyqsBzc
Getting There
Nearest railway station: Nilambur Road, about 80 km | Mysore, about 100 km | Kozhikode, about 110 km
Nearest airport: Kozhikode Interational Airport, about 125 km | Kannur International Airport, about 125 km
Contact
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Phone: +91 4936 220455, +91 8547603561
Topics: Wayanad