Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary situates in the close proximity of the famous Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad district of Kerala. Covering an area of about 345 sq. Km, the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is bountiful with natural forests dominated by teak trees.

The picturesque beauty and pleasant climate is the main highlight of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. It is an ideal eco-tourism spot epitomized with serenity and wilderness. The place also provides many trekking trails to attract those who love adventure. Tourists also enjoy jeep safari and night camping in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary that offers them an unforgettable wilderness experience. It is a great place to take the students for nature education too.

Speciality

• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary forms a part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and also covers the Nilgiri forest Reserve.
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is popularly known as Upper Wayanad Sanctuary.
• It is said that the Malabar King Pazhassi Raja fought his battles against the Colonial British at this sanctuary.
• Rare Monitor lizards are found common in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna

Moist deciduous teak forests and semi-evergreen tree pastures are the major vegetation cover of Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. Being heaven of birds, the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary houses a wide variety of avifauna species and also is home to 900 wild elephants, various species of wildlife, fishes, butterflies and snakes. Guars, monkeys, deer, tigers, leopards, and bears are often seen wandering in the sanctuary. Various threatened species of fauna especially vultures are found in Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary.

Nearest Tourist Places

• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: Rare as well as endangered species of both flora and fauna can be spotted at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary: Pakshipathalam Bird Sanctuary is a favourite destination of bird lovers in Wayanad that is rich in several rare species of birds.
• Kuruva Dweep: Kuruva Dweep is a tiny picturesque island surrounded by enchanting evergreen forest, an awesome place to discover the real beauty of nature.
• Panchathirtha: Panchathirtha is a sacred pond which is believed to be the meeting point of five rivers named Sankha, Sreepaada Chakra, Badma, and Gatha

Activities

Best time to visit

October to March.

Way to Reach

 By Air - Calicut International Airport is the nearest airport to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 133 Km.

 By Rail - Calicut Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 120.1 Km.

 By Road - Thirunelly Bus Station is the nearest bus station to Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary which is situated at a distance of 18.6 Km.