Spanning
over an area of 344 sq km, the Wayanad National Park was established in the
year 1973. The Wayanad Sanctuary is divided into two parts Tholpetty, near
Mananthavady and is contiguous with Nagarhole of Karnataka. The Muthanga -
Bathery - Kurichiat Ranges are nearer to Sulthan bathery and border
Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu and Bandipur of Karnataka
Rich in both flora and fauna, Wayanad is an integral part of the Nilgiri
Biosphere Reservem, that has been established with the specific objective of
conservating the biological heritage of the region. Notebly, the Pazhassi
Raja fought valiantly against the British from Wayanad. The management of
the sanctuary lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due
consideration to the general lifestyle of the Tribals and others who live on
the frings of the forest. The sanctuary comes under the Wayanand Wildlife
Division with head quarters at Sultan Bathery.
Location :
The place boost a good road network with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ootty. They
are also connected by rail and are within 110 kms from the sanctuary. The
nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can halt at Sultan Bathery or
Mananthavadi and visit the sanctuary Government rest houses and private
lodges offer accommodation.
Wildlife at Wayanad :
The park houses varied animal population. Animals like elephant, tiger,
Panther, jungle cat, civet cat, monkeys, wild dog, bison, deer, bear, etc.
inhabit the sanctuary. You will also find reptiles like monitor lizard and a
variety of snakes. Peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, wood pecker and jungle
fowl are only a few among the different types of birds seen in the area.
Elephant at Wayanad lures tourist and are the major attraction. Interstate
seasonal migration of elephant is common. The park also have good number of
tiger population. You can sight then at Tholpetty, Rambur and Mavinhalla
areas.
Greenery at Wayanad :
The park is majorly occupied by south Indian moist deciduous forests. Some
regions are also covered with west coast semi evergreen forests. About 110
sq.kms of the sanctuary is under plantations of teak, eucalyptus. And
grevelia. In the moist deciduous forest, maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood,
venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow. In the
semi-evergreen patches Veteria indica. Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata,
Termianalia paniculata etc are common.
Best Seasons :
The best seasons to explore the national park is from September to
November. The climate at this time is pleasurable for the visitors to travel
in the national park.
