Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary safari trips at Muthanga take you into the sanctuary’s southern forest pocket in Kerala. The Forest Department runs jeep safaris in a tourist zone, with forest habitat and the possibility of seeing elephants, deer, monkeys and birds along the way.
- Location: Muthanga, the sanctuary’s southern forest pocket.
- Safari: Jeep safaris are conducted by the Kerala Forest Department.
- Sessions: Published safari times include morning and afternoon sessions; check current details before you go.
- From Ranches Jungle Beats: About 27.5 km from the hotel.
Muthanga and the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga is the southern part of Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest landscape within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
The sanctuary has two separate forest pockets: Muthanga in the south and Tholpetty in the north. Established in 1973 as part of Project Elephant, it covers 344.44 square kilometres. At Muthanga, the forest borders Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
The sanctuary’s scale and location place Muthanga within a wider forest region, rather than making it a standalone wildlife park. If you are choosing when to visit Wayanad, how the seasons shape different kinds of trips can help you plan the wider itinerary.
How do you book a Muthanga safari?
You can book a Muthanga safari through Kerala Forest Department channels, which include jeep safaris and an online booking option.
The Department conducts the jeep trips, and its ecotourism portal provides a “Book Now” option. For enquiries, call +91 99472 71015. Confirm availability and current booking arrangements before travelling, rather than assuming a place will be available on arrival.
Incredible India says visitors need prior permission to enter, and access is restricted to the outer tourism zones. Keep that limit in mind when planning: a safari provides access to a designated visitor area, not unrestricted entry throughout the sanctuary.
Timings, tickets and visitor rules
Muthanga safari sessions are published for mornings and afternoons, but listed end times and ticket charges differ between sources.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 6:00–10:00 and 15:00–18:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The Wayanad District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC Wayanad) and the sanctuary website give morning sessions spanning 6:00 am to 10:00 am or 7:00 am to 10:00 am, and afternoon sessions spanning 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. DTPC Wayanad says vehicle tickets close when the morning or evening allocation is filled.
Published fares also differ: DTPC Wayanad gives bus and jeep charges by visitor category and group size, while a Kerala Forest Department publication gives different rates for one-hour trips. Avoid relying on an old fare figure: check the official site before you go for current sessions, availability and charges.
For a broader stop in the area, what to know about Sulthan Bathery town market can help you decide whether to add time in town to your day.
What wildlife might you see at Muthanga?
Muthanga is habitat for elephants, deer, monkeys, birds, butterflies and insects, while tiger sightings are occasional rather than assured.
That range of wildlife makes the forest itself part of the outing, whether or not a particular animal appears during your safari. Kerala Tourism describes the Forest Department’s Muthanga jeep safari as a two-hour trip through the tourist zone. Keep expectations grounded: the chance of a sighting is not a guarantee of seeing any specific animal.
Planning the journey and day
Plan around your confirmed safari session, since the published morning and afternoon windows leave little room for arriving late.
The Government of India’s Incredible India page identifies Kozhikode Railway Station and Calicut International Airport as the nearest rail station and airport, respectively. Confirm your road route and transport arrangements separately, and allow time to reach the entrance before your booked session.
If you are combining the safari with other Wayanad plans, keep the fixed safari window at the centre of the day and fit other stops around it. The sanctuary’s coordinates are 11.646° N, 76.364° E.
FAQs
Where is Muthanga in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary?
Muthanga is the sanctuary’s southern forest pocket. Tholpetty is the separate northern pocket.
How long is the Muthanga jeep safari?
Kerala Tourism describes the Muthanga jeep safari as a two-hour trip in the tourist zone.
Can you book a Muthanga safari online?
The Kerala Forest Department ecotourism portal provides a “Book Now” option for Muthanga. Check current availability before travelling.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No specific sighting is guaranteed. Tigers may occasionally be seen, and the habitat also includes elephants, deer, monkeys, birds, butterflies and insects.