Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary or Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful destination located 20 km east of Mananthavady on the Kodagu Road.
Open to wildlife jeep safari twice a day, you are bound to spot various animals and bird species in their natural habitat during the 1.5-2 hour journey. A lake where animals come down for a drink is a major attraction here. The forests constitute various forest types like the tropical moist dry deciduous, patches of semi evergreen forests and trees and plants like the bamboo and long spiky bushes of ginger. Plantations of teak, eucalyptus, silver oak and rosewood cover about one third of the sanctuary. Frequent sightings of elephant herds, deers, big cats, panthers, tigers, langurs, bonnet macaques, bison, sambar deer, malabar squirrels, bears and the rare Slender Loris have all been reported in these forests. Fact: Muthanga and Tholpetty are both part of the UNESCO’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the first international biosphere reserve in India.
Two-hour jeep excursions into the refuge are being offered from the entrance by the forest department. This is a great way to be safe and raise the likelihood of seeing animals. Up to 20 kilometres of the park can be driven within by visitors who want to take in the scenery. The Forest Department must must provide approval for this in advance. Additionally, visitors are required to have a guide that has been issued by the Forest Department.
