Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 330

Wildlife Sanctuaries
Muthanga and Tholpetty are
part of Wayanad sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Muthanga: (42 kms from Kalpetta, 17 kms from
Sultan Bathery) Spread over avast area Muthanga is part of the Nilgiri
Biosphere Region. It is a rain forest reserve connected to two other major
sanctuaries: Bandipur National Park (103 kms) in Karnataka and Mudumalai
Sanctuary (123 kms)in Tamil Nadu. The vegetation is predominantly moist
deciduous forest with smaller stretches of swamps, teak forests, bamboo
and tall grass. With such profuse and varied flora, this region hosts several
rare herbs and medicinal plants. With numerous watering holes, Muthanga
has a large population of pachyderms and has been declared a Project
Elephant site. Other animals species include Leopards, Gaur, Sambar,
Cheetal, Barking Deer, Hanuman Langur and Slender Loris. The reserve is
also home to a small population of Tigers. In addition, there is also a
bewildering variety of birds, butterflies and insects. For more information:
Wildlife Warden, Sultan Bathery, Ph: 04936 220454. Assistant Wildlife
Warden, Muthanga, Ph: 04936 271010
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary - Tholpetty: (59 kms from Kalpetta, 24 kms from
Mananthavadi)Tholpetty reserve is situated along the northern ridge of
the district bordering Coorg in Karnataka. In terms of flora and fauna,
Tholpetty is much similar to Muthanga. The best season to visit both the
sanctuaries is from November to May. For more information: Wildlife
Warden, Sultan Bathery, Ph: 04936 220454. Assistant Wildlife Warden,
Tholpetty, Ph: 04935 290853.
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WAYANAD|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS