Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary

Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chakkittappara and Koorachundu revenue villages of Quilandy Taluk in Kozhikode District of Kerala. Covering a total of 74.215015 sq.km, the sanctuary is a part of the western ghats, a biodiversity hotspot contiguous with the forests of Ladysmith Reserved Forests and Kurichiar Mala of Kalpeta Forest Range of South Wayanad Forest Division. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and forms an integral part of the Wayanad Elephant Reserve under Project Elephant. 

The 16th Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala to protect and promote endangered species of flora and fauna, Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the attractive place of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. An important tourist destination, it's picturesque dam site, pleasant and unique climate, richness of biodiversity and Urakkuzhi waterfalls offers immense eco tourism potential. 

The topographical gradient of the hills (elevation ranging from 40 to 1506 m ) is the major reason for the diversity of flora and fauna. Also the deep valleys, marshy lands etc. with hillocks and perennial water sources make it an ideal habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. The sanctuary has Urakkuzhy waterfalls and Peruvannamuzhi and Kakkayam dam and reservoirs. It also constitutes the watersheds of Kuttiady River, the largest river in Kozhikode district . The reservoirs, the rivers and the projects in the area are the source of drinking water and electricity for the people of Kozhikode and Malabar. 

Flora

Malabar sanctuary boasts West Coast Tropical Evergreen, West Coast Semi Evergreen, Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous, Southern Hill-top Evergreen forests, Grasslands, and Marshy grasslands. The vegetation types harbours more than 680 species of flowering plants including 226 species endemic to southern Western Ghats, about 200 species of medicinal plants, 52 of bryophytes including 28 liverworts and 24 mosses and 50 ferns. Some of the many rare and endangered species of flora are Meteoromyrtus wynaadensis, Syzygium stocksii, Eugenia argentea, Syzygium floccosum, Atuna indica, Coffea crassifolia, Garcinia malabarica, Humboldtia brunonis var. rakthapushpa. Atuna indica, Eugenia argentea and Humboldtia brunonis var. rakthapushpa. 

Fauna

The sanctuary has 41 species of mammals which includes Tiger, Leopard, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Civet, Pangolin, Mouse deer, Wild dog, Flying squirrel and Sloth bear. Over 180 species of birds, out of these 12 are endemics. 6 range restricted and 5 globally threatened species like Kerala laughing thrush, Wayanad laughing thrush, and Oriental darter have been listed in different parts of the Sanctuary. 38 types of amphibians are known from this area of which 26 are Western Ghats endemics. The amphibians include the recently discovered Philautus ponmudi (which can seen only in this sanctuary), P. anili, P. tuberohumerus, P. neurostegona, P.ochlandrae, P. akroparallagi and P. chromasynhysi . The streams of Kakkayam support 52 varieties of fishes including 21 Western Ghats endemics which includes Barilius Bakeri, Tor Khudree, Mystus Vittatus and Puntus Denisonii. It also has endangered Mahseer, Tor khudree. Altogether 148 species of butterflies have been recorded including 8 Western Ghats endemics. 51 species of Dragon flies which include 11 species of Western endemics are reported from the region. Some of them are Papilo Liomedon, Papilo Paris, Papilo Dravidarum and Prioneris Sita. 

The forest department does not run any safaris inside the Sanctuary but they conducts Ecotourism facilities which includes Adventure trekking, Urakkuzhy water fall at Kakkayam, Peruvannamuzhy the dam, the garden, the animal rehabilitation centre and the Indian Institute of Spices Research.

Note: Vehicles are not permitted to enter the Sanctuary.

Facilities
All  tourism activities inside and around Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary are done under the Thenmala Eco - tourism Project with the co-operation of departments such as Forest, Irrigation and Tourism. They provides exciting activities for tourists such as a Soft Trekking (Min 5 adult or equivalent. Amount Rs. 250/-), Deer Rehabilitation Center, Leisure zone, Musical dancing fountain,  Butterfly safari, Adventure zone. The Adventure Activities are (Optional, in adventure zone on separate payment inside the zone) - Rock Climbing & Rappelling, Short Range (5 Rounds), Trampoline, Trust fall (30 min 15 persons), Trust fall (30 min 15 persons), Pedal Boating in Ottakkal Reservoir (30 min 4 persons), River Crossing, Spider Net, Burma Bridge, Archery, Valley Crossing, Flying Fox and Mountain Biking There are the three eco- tourism packages offered here. This will give you glimpses of the rich flora and fauna present here.

More information please contact. ++91-475-2344800. . ++91-471-2329770