The section of the Nilgiri Bio Reserve that falls in Kerala is called the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Wayanad is a rainforest sanctuary, situated between Bandipur National Park (in Karnataka) and Mudumalai Sanctuary (in Tamil Nadu). The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary stretches over an area of 345 sq km, a densely wooded district of rosewood, teak, bamboo and other deciduous trees, throbbing with a fascinating range of creatures, large and small. Tigers, of which the sanctuary has a fair number, are amongst its most elusive denizens. Elephants in particular are Wayanad's star performers. Other animals that roam this wildlife sanctuary include leopards, monkeys, deer, bison, wild dogs and hundreds of birds and reptile.
How to Reach Wayanad?
By Air : The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, 54 km away. It is for both international and domestic purposes. Some of the major airlines which serve the airport are Air India, Jet Airways, Oman Airways and Saudi Airlines.
By Rail : Kozhikode is also the closest railhead to Wayanad. Kozhikode is a major station on the Konkan line for all Kerala bound trains. It is well connected to other major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Road : Wayanad has convenient road connections to Kozhikode, Mysore, Kunnur and Udhagamandalam (Ooty). Buses, either of the State Transport Corporation or a swift private coach, also go to Wayanad: alternatively, visitors can hire a cab or rent a car if they don't have their own transportation.
Best Time to Visit Wayanad
The sanctuary is open throughout the year except during the monsoons months, when it becomes too difficult to navigate vehicles through the slushy roads. The best time to visit is between the winter months of October- February.
Things to do in Wayanad
In Wayanad, the best thing to do is to take a safari - either early morning or late afternoon as this is the best time to catch sight of wildlife. Elephants are in plenty as are the deer and bison and if you are very lucky you may catch a glimpse of the tiger.
Places Near Wayanad
Bandipur National Park, Pokot Lake, Chembra Peak, Thirunelli Temple, Sujippara Waterfalls are some of the places near Wayanad that are worth visiting.
Pokot Lake is located in a beautiful valley amidst evergreen forests and wooded hills and is 17 kms away from Wayanad. This natural lake attracts lots of visitors.
Visitors interested in trekking can visit the spectacular Chembra Peak, which is the tallest peak in the region. Experienced trekkers should only try to climb this as it is strenuous trail. This peak is 30 kms away from Wayanad.
Sujippara Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall located 52 kms away from Wayanad. Visitors can also indulge in rock climbing. From June to January would be the best time to visit this waterfall.
Another interesting place to visit from Wayanad is the Bandipur National Park that is situated at a distance of 55 kms and is the first Biosphere Reserve of India. This place is home to engendered species such as, four horned antelope, sloth bear, panther, mouse deer and pea fowl.
The religious minded people can visit the Thirunelli Temple. Situated at a distance of 60 kms from Wayanad the temple is located on the banks of Papanasini River.
Chain Tree, Muthanga, Tholpetty reserve, Edakkal Caves, Pakshipathalam, Kuruva Island are the other places near Wayanad that are worth visiting.
Hotels in Wayanad – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Wayanad ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.