Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: An Unique Travel Guide For You!

Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is an Eden for nature lovers in the territory of Wayanad. It is located in the forest region in the northern district of the state of Kerala in India. After reaching Wayanad, you need to travel to the Mananthavady region in order to hit the location of the sanctuary. The flora and fauna found on the premises of the sanctuary are sure to amuse you with the magic of nature.

This is also a location that is visited by domestic and international tourists alike. Taking a stroll through this particular sanctuary can help you reconcile with nature, and its goodness and also have a detoxifying experience if you had been constantly in the hustle and bustle of city life. Apart from the scenic beauty and biodiversity, you can also enjoy a lot of adventure activities in the region.

If you are visiting the sanctuary along with your friends and family, there are also a lot of engaging activities helping you make the most out of your visit. The scenic visuals of the sanctuary would satisfy you if you are fond of forests and their wilderness. Moreover, a lot of rare and endangered species can also be spotted by visiting this particular wildlife sanctuary in the territory of Wayanad.

There is also a lake in the surroundings of the wildlife sanctuary enhancing the natural vibrancy and coolness of the location. However, make sure you are not disturbing the free wandering of the wildlife near the lake since it can cause dangers at both ends. 

Location

As already mentioned, this particular wildlife sanctuary is located in the South Indian state of Kerala. In the state, you need to travel to the district of Wayanad to which the sanctuary belongs. From Wayanad, you should aim for the location of Mananthavady, a small town in the hilly district of Wayanad.

The exact location of the wildlife sanctuary can be reached by traveling a distance of 20 km in the eastern direction from the town center of Mananthavady. You can spot the sanctuary on Kodagu Road in the region. Towns such as Kalpetta and Peringathur are easily accessible from the location of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Climatic Conditions

Climatic condition inside the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is considered pleasant around the year. However, if you are planning to visit the location, make sure you are planning your visit during the most favorable month among them. During the winter months of the year, the weather is usually seen in the most pleasant condition.

Aggressive rainfall or intolerably scorching summers are not yet reported in the location of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. So if you are planning to visit the sanctuary for anything other than casual tourism, you can consider it throughout the year for your visit at your convenience. 

Best time to visit Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: September – February

Things to do in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the wildlife in the sanctuary

Exploring the wildlife in Tholpetti Wildlife Sanctuary would be a great experience if you can do some homework about the species found in the region. Understanding their name and image before and identifying them during your visit would be an adrenaline-pumping activity you can do on the premises of the sanctuary. Semi-evergreen and dry-deciduous forests form the majority of the landscape of Tholpetti Wildlife Sanctuary.

So species favorable to these topographies are mostly found in the sanctuary surroundings. Different varieties of snake species, bears, deer, bison, wild dogs, monkeys, civet cats, jungle cats, panthers, tigers, and elephants are the ones mostly seen in the sanctuary. Apart from these wild animals, there are also a lot of exotic varieties of birds found in the sanctuary.

Hence birdwatchers would be highly satisfied by visiting this particular destination. Vultures, woodpeckers, butterflies, jungle fowls, owls, cuckoos, babblers, peacocks, etc. are seen extensively in the location. The lake region is also an area where exotic wildlife can be spotted in high density in the sanctuary. 

Jeep Safari in the Sanctuary

Jeep Safari in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most inevitable experiences you can have during the visit. The rates are quite affordable but the experience is absolutely matchless. You can enjoy a ride of 3hours duration inside the sanctuary witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of nature, wildlife, and biodiversity. There are two different times to do the activity inside the sanctuary. One is during the early morning hours of the day which is between 7 to 10 in the morning.

You can also choose the next option in the time slot which is between 2 in the afternoon to 5 in the evening. This safari would let you explore 350 square kilometers of the sanctuary on the go. Unlike taking a stroll through the sanctuary, this experience would be much easier, since you will not get tired by walking. If there are people along you with lower fitness levels, jeep safari would be a great choice for you.

Safari through the hilly terrains is also an adrenaline-pumping activity you can have. If you are lucky enough you would also be able to spot the exotic wildlife and biodiversity present in the region.

How to reach Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary?

Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport

Nearest railway station: Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT)

Nearby Attractions

Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary 

This is one of the famous bird sanctuaries in the state of Kerala located near the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. From the Tholpetty region, you can access the location without much hassle.

The entry fees set in the sanctuary are different for domestic and international tourists. You can plan your visit anytime between 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. The rich variety of avian beauties found in the region make the sanctuary a paradise for the bird lovers visiting the sanctuary. 

Kuruva Island

This is a breathtaking river island that can be visited while touring the Tholpetty wildlife sanctuary. This particular island is spread over an area of 950 acres and the rich biodiversity found on this island makes the location a matter of amusement for visitors.

A lot of domestic and international tourists are found visiting the island and its surroundings. The presence of the Kabini River enhances the visual charm of the island visit you can have. 

Papanashini River

This is a sacred river found near Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. This river takes its origin from a mountain and the water of the river is considered sacred and pure. A lot of Hindu pilgrims are seen taking a dip in the river.

This ritual is believed to wash off the sins committed by the believer. The herbs and plants found on the banks of this particular river are medicinal and protected by the authorities concerned. 

Thirunelly Temple

This is a temple visited by Hindu pilgrims near the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. The Hindu God, Lord Vishnu is the main deity worshipped in the shrine of this particular temple. Brahmagiri is the location of the temple.

The surroundings of the temple share boundaries with the neighboring state of Karnataka. The mountains and forest region near the temple make the visit a reconciliation with nature along with its spiritual side. 

Food and Accommodation

1. Wild Life Resort
2. The Rain Tree

Read More:

Wayanad: Explore The Beautiful Mountain District Of Malabar!

Kozhikode: Explore The Coastal Paradise Of Flavors!