|
About Wynaad Wildlife
Sanctuary
The s ection
of the Nilgiri Bio Reserve that falls in Kerala is called the Wynaad
or Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary. Wynaad is a rainforest sanctuary,
situated between Bandipur National Park (in Karnataka) and Mudumalai
Sanctuary (in Tamilnadu). The preserve stretches over an area of 345
sq km, a densely wooded district of rosewood, teak, bamboo and other
deciduous trees, throbbing with a fascinating melange of creatures,
large and small. Tigers, of which the sanctuary has a fair number, are
among its most elusive denizens; but elephants, leopards, monkeys,
deer, bison, wild dogs and hundreds of birds and reptiles are more
common. Elephants, in particular, are Wynaad’s star performers.
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbours
India’s second largest pachyderm population, and the chances of seeing
elephant herds is pretty high, especially during the dry season.
Unfortunately for the enthusiastic
wildlife-watcher, only the periphery of the wildlife preserve is open
to visitors and tourist infrastructure is nearly nonexistent. You can
arrange guided walks and jeep safaris but attempts to get deeper into
the forest require patience and perseverance. Apply to the Forest
Office for the requisite permission.
Entry Requirements
Entry permits to visit Wynaad can be obtained from the Wildlife Warden
at Sulthan Bathery, about 16 km from the Wildlife Sanctuary.
Arrangements for guided walks and jeep safaris can also be made
through the Wildlife Warden.
Access
The nearest city is Kozhikode, which is easily
reached from various parts of the country by rail, air and road.
Wynaad lies 55 kilometres east of Kozhikode and can be reached by
road. Take a bus, either a State Transport Corporation one or swift
private coaches, hire a cab or rent a car if you don’t have your own
transportation.
Wynaad also has convenient road connections to and from Mysore and
Udhagamandalam (Ooty), both of which are within a 110-km radius from
the park. From either of these cities, you can get to Kalpetta or
Sulthan Bathery, the two towns closest to Wynaad. Both towns make good
bases for exploring the sanctuary.
Best time to visit
Wynaad is best visited in the summer months, between June and October.
This is the time when there’s greater chance of seeing the resident
wildlife, even though the weather may not be at its best
Accommodation
Authentic back-to-nature accommodation, in the form of forest lodges
and resthouses, is available just outside the park. Truly
eco-friendly, it’s not for anyone who cannot do without cola and
chips. Carry your own supplies.
For more pampered souls, it might be a better option to stay at either
Sulthan Bathery (16 km from Wynaad) or Kalpetta, both close to the
sanctuary and with a somewhat higher standard of accommodation
available.
Forest lodges and resthouses within the park come for an affordable
rate of about Rs 100 per night. Many tourists however prefer to stay
at the Vythiri Resort, where tree houses contribute to the `jungle'
feel of the area. Accommodation here costs about Rs 900 per night.
Further information on Wynaad can be obtained from the Tourist
Information Centre, Collectorate, Kalpetta, or from the Wynaad
Wildlife Division, Sulthan Bathery |
