The elephant is the symbol of the Government of Kerala, symbolising the links that this magnificent animal and its habitat has with the people of this land. The forests have been closely associated with the customs, traditions and social life of Kerala for centuries. The forests in Kerala are indeed some of the most magnificent and varied found anywhere in the world.
The Western Ghats, the natural mountain barriers of Kerala, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are home to the majority of Kerala’s forests and wildlife. Not long ago, these forests made a contiguous path for animal migration. But the unrestricted migration of vast populations from the plains in search of cultivable lands during the 50’s and 60’s saw the alarming denudation of the forest cover and along with it the destruction of wildlife. Where once the elephants roamed free are now farmlands and this has invariably lead to encounters with disastrous results. There is however, a ray of hope with the environmental movement getting an upper hand to stop the plunder of these forests.
The Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala now are the only protected enclaves for the wildlife and the exceptionally good management of some of these is cause for hope and optimism.
The Wildlife Parks, reserves, sanctuaries and National Parks stretch from the southern tip of Kerala to the Northern Border with Karnataka.
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Wayanad Sanctuary

This is also a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, contiguous with Madumalai sanctuary in neighbouring Tamilnadu and Bandipur Sanctuary in Karnataka, covering an area of approximately 500 sq. kms. The sanctuary is also known as Muthanga, and is some 18 kms from the district headquarters at Sultan Bathery (Sultan’s Battery). Grasses and bamboo are found in abundance in these forests, among the moist deciduous forests. It is home to great herds of deer, elephants, and Gaur. Many types of monkeys are also seen, as well as those elusive animals, such as the Slender Loris.
To visit the sanctuary, permission has to be taken from the District Forest Officer’s office a Mananthody, around 50 kms from the district headquarters of Sultan Bathery (Ph 91-4968-540233). Thereafter, meet the Assistant Wildlife Preservation officer’s at Muthanga or Tholpatti sanctuary (30 kms from Mananthody) for permission to go inside either of these sanctuaries on jeeps hired from private operators. Taking along guides and wildlife spotters are recommended.
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Silent valley National Park

The Silent Valley National Park , around 90 Sq.Kms in all was the subject of a state wide environmental agitation, to save the virgin evergreen forests from destruction. The Park attained international attention then and now forms part of a larger Nilgiri Biosphere reserve.
The park is home to more than 100 species of butterflies and birds. Other wildlife includes the Nilgiri Tahr, the rare and endangered Lion Tailed Macaque, leopards, tigers and elephants.
To get to the Park, one has to take the road from Palakkad, 80 kms away. Regular buses are available to Mukkali, 20 kms from the Park. Visitors are allowed only in a few places near the buffer zone. Facilities are rudimentary and limited. Recommended only for those willing to rough it out.

Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the Forest Department Rest House at Mukkali. (Phone 91-492-453225).