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Muthanga is a wildlife sanctuary, which is also known as Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is situated at a distance of 16 km east of Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad District of north Kerala. It is the second largest wildlife sanctuary in Kerala. Sprawling across a vast geographical area of about 345 sq km, the sanctuary provides habitat to various animals and birds.
Established in 1973, the sanctuary is bordered by Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east side and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the south-east side. Divided into two parts, the Upper Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the north and Lower Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary in the south, Muthanga is popular for its Project Elephant.
The region was originally ruled by the Vedar king, who was later annexed by the Raja of Kurumbranad. It was later divided into two parts namely, Kottayam-Malabar and Kurumbranad. Besides, the Raja of Kurumbranad also helped the British to fight against Tipu Sultan. After his fall in 1799, the British took over the region.
Historians state that organised human life existed in the region at least ten centuries before Christ. The intrinsic tribals of the region mainly comprise diversified groups like Adiyars, Kurumas, Kurichyas, Kattunaikkans, Ooralis and Paniyas.
The wildlife sanctuary is popular as it has the largest population of elephants in India. Besides, Muthanga has rich flora comprising deciduous and evergreen forests. To explore the sanctuary, the forest department arranges elephant rides at regular intervals.
The nearest airport to the destination is Kozhikode Airport, located at a distance of 120 km from the sanctuary. Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is situated at a distance of 97 km. The State Transport Corporation operates frequent bus services to Muthanga from various parts of Wayanad District and Kerala. The best time to visit Muthanga is during the months of June and October.
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Muthanga is known for the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary in the Wayanad District of Kerala. The sanctuary covers 345 sq. km area and is home to various animals such as tiger, leopard, cheetah, spotted deer and elephant. It also shelters several birds like egret, bulbul, peafowl and cormorant.
Sulthan Bathery is an important attraction near Muthanga and has an old Jain Temple with stone carvings, Ambalavayal Heritage Museum and St. Thomas Orthodox Church of Malankarakkunnu. Vythiri is a hill station near Muthanga and is known for pepper, tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber plantations. The Soochipara Falls, Padinjarathara Earthen Dam, Mettupathy Falls and Pookote Lake are some of the popular tourist spots in Vythiri.
The Meppadi, Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Karapuzha Dam and Chembra Peak are located on the Kozhikode-Ooty State Highway. Kalpetta, the administrative headquarters of the Wayanad District, is famous for the Ananthanatha Swami Jain Temple, Puliyarmala Jain Temple, Varambetta Mosque and Pallikunnu Church. The Panamaram and Meenangadi villages are known for heronry and tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper and rubber plantations.
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