Wayanad National Park
Welcome to Wayanad National Park
Located among the serene hills of Kerala, Wayanad National Park is one of the best places to feel the pulse of nature, be it flora or fauna. It covers an area of almost 344 square kilometres and is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, representing the vast biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
Location and Landscape:
Wayanad National Park is located in Wayanad District of Kerala. It borders the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. There are two divisions within the park: Muthanga and Tholpetty. Both these places present a perfect blend of dense forests, rolling hills, and lush meadows. It is drained by the Kabini River, one of the big water sources for wildlife, and adds to the green landscape of the park.
Flora and Fauna :
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is particularly famous for its brilliant biodiversity. It is the habitat of the mighty Asian elephant, elusive Bengal tiger, and a few species of deer like the sambar and spotted deer. Some other well-known species are the Indian bison, or gaur, leopards, and different primates. The Malabar pied hornbill, peacocks, and many other avian species can be seen by birdwatchers. Vegetation is mainly composed of moist deciduous forests, although patches of semi-evergreen trees exist, dominated by teak, rosewood, and eucalyptus.
Historical and Cultural Values :
Decades of history still remain attached to the land of Wayanad, inseparable from the lives of its aborigines, who enjoyed a rapport with nature dating back thousands of years. Ancient caves, rock engravings, and temples—sprinkled across the park and surrounding areas—speak volumes about the rich cultural traditions of the region. The local tribes, such as the Kurichiyas and Paniyas, now play an important role in maintaining the natural ambience of the park with their traditional knowledge and practices.
Transportation Options:
● By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 100 km away. A taxi or bus can be hired from there to reach the park.
● By Road: Wayanad National Park is well connected with roads and has regular services of buses and taxis from nearby towns like Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, and Mananthavady.
● By Train: The closest railway station is located at Kozhikode. It is approximately 110 km away from the park. Taxis and buses can be hired from the railway station to reach the park.
Best Time to Visit:
Though the best time to visit Wayanad National Park is from October to May, with its best climate and frequent wild animal sightings, June to September is in the monsoon season, where heavy rainfall hampers accessibility to the park and causes problems while watching wildlife.
Nearby Attractions:
Edakkal Caves
This ancient cave set is well-known for prehistoric rock engravings.
Banasura Sagar Dam
The largest earthen dam in India provides the visitor with hilltop views around and is suited for boating.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
This wildlife sanctuary is part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and is well known for its elephant population and rich biodiversity.
Choice of Accommodations
The accommodation in Wayanad National Park ranges from forest guesthouses and eco-friendly lodges right inside the park to luxurious resorts and hotels in places like the nearby towns of Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. Advance booking of accommodations is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, for a comfortable hassle-free stay.
