Located in Western Ghats, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is among the lesser known sanctuaries in the country. Situated 30 km from Mananthawady in Wayanad district of Kerala, Begur Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna.
Surrounded by mist-clad Western Ghats, the dense green cover and thriving wildlife population is a pleasure to nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The green cover mainly comprises of deciduous forest and west coast semi evergreen forest.
The sanctuary is a treat for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers as one can spot bear, bison, civet cat, elephants, jungle cat, monkeys, panther, spotted deer, wild boar, wild dog, etc.
Due to scarcity of water in the neighbouring sanctuaries like Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mudamalai, Begur wildlife sanctuary attracts large number of animals and birds during December-May. Along with Bandipur-Madhumalai-Nagarhole-Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Begur houses a few hundred tigers. The forests are spread across three states — Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Sightings of black bulbul, jungle fowl, kingfisher, laughing thrush, peafowl, myna, woodpecker, etc. are common in the park. Flora varieties include teak, eucalyptus, rosewood, vengal, etc.
Numerous folk festivals are celebrated during the months of February-March. Folk dances of the tribals are an important part of festivities.
The rich natural beauty of the sanctuary along with a wide variety of wildlife and salubrious climate makes Begur Wildlife Sanctuary a must visit place.
WHERE TO STAY
There are quite a few accommodation options in Kalpetta (30 km). Mostly one can find budget hotels, cottages and rest houses.There are a couple of mid-range hotels too. Almost all of them are situated on Main Road. There are no luxury accommodation options in Kalpetta.
The Tree House resort near Vythiri offers comfortable accommodation in the lap of nature. There are a number of cottages and resorts in the region. Rooms here are available for Rs 1,100 or more, and provide free breakfast.
WHERE TO EAT
There are no eating options in Begur Wildlife Sanctuary. It is advisable to carry food and water stock along with while going to Begur Wildlife Sanctuary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
During summers, temperature reaches a maximum of 35 degree Celsius. During winter, mercury levels drop to as low as 10 degree Celsius. Due to scarcity of water from December to May in Bandhipur, Nagarhole and Mudamalai wildlife sanctuaries, animals migrate to Begur. December-May is the best time to visit the sanctuary as the park becomes home to a lot of wildlife species.
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Wayanad is as given below. The best time to visit Wayanad is also specified.