Muthanga is part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest that connects with Bandipur in Karnataka and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu. It’s one of the best places in Kerala to see wild elephants, and it’s the closest major attraction to Sulthan Bathery, so a Muthanga safari is easy to fit into any Wayanad trip.
Muthanga safari at a glance
- Safari slots: mornings (about 7–10 AM) and afternoons (about 3–5 PM); a safari lasts around 1.5–2 hours
- How it works: only Forest Department safari vehicles (jeeps, and on some days buses) can enter; private vehicles aren’t allowed inside
- Tickets: mostly sold at the counter on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited seats per slot; carry original photo ID
- Fees: charged per person (bus) or per vehicle (jeep). DTPC Wayanad lists ₹350 per adult for the bus and from about ₹2,100 per jeep for 4 people
- Distance: about 14–17 km from Sulthan Bathery, 20–30 minutes on NH 766
- Contact (Muthanga): +91 99472 71015
Safari rates, slots and arrangements change often, so confirm at the counter or by phone before you go.
How to get a safari ticket
- Reach the ticket counter 30–60 minutes before your slot. Morning slots fill fastest from October to March and on weekends.
- Buy only from the official counter or the Forest Department, and be careful with unofficial “booking” websites.
- Safaris can be paused for weather, fire risk or official decisions, so call ahead on the day.
What you might see
Elephants are the most common sighting at Muthanga. Spotted deer, gaur (Indian bison), langurs, wild boar and many birds are also regular. Tigers and leopards live in the sanctuary but are rarely seen, and no sighting is ever guaranteed. That’s part of the magic of a wild forest.
Best time for a Muthanga safari
- October to May is the main safari season.
- March to May: the forest is dry, so animals gather near water and sightings are often better. The forest may close for short periods because of fire risk.
- Monsoon (June to September): heavy rain, slushy tracks and possible closures.
- Early morning is usually the best slot for sightings.
See our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Wayanad.
Safari etiquette
- Stay inside the vehicle and keep your voice down.
- No flash photography, no food and no plastic.
- Wear earthy colours and follow your guide’s instructions.
Driving through the forest on NH 766
The national highway to Mysore and Bangalore passes through Muthanga and Bandipur. You may see elephants and deer right beside the road. Never stop to feed or photograph animals, and remember the 9 PM–6 AM night traffic ban in the Bandipur stretch. Read our Bangalore to Wayanad road guide.
Plan your day around Muthanga
Combine a morning safari with the Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple and lunch in town, or visit Edakkal Caves in the morning and Muthanga in the afternoon (Edakkal is closed on Mondays). For more ideas, see tourist places near Sulthan Bathery and our 3-day Wayanad itinerary.
Tip from Le Venzia: Take the first morning slot. Leave by 6:15 AM: the forest is cooler and quieter early, and the queue at the counter is at its shortest.
Where to stay near Muthanga
Sulthan Bathery is the nearest town to Muthanga, so you can be at the safari counter early without a long drive. Le Venzia Luxury Apartments offers two-bedroom serviced apartments with a full kitchen, AC bedrooms, a private balcony and free parking, 4 km from town and 100 m from the National Highway. Contact us or WhatsApp +91 82899 76000.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my own car into Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary?
No. Inside the sanctuary, only Forest Department safari vehicles are allowed. You can drive on the NH 766 highway through the forest, but you shouldn’t stop or get out of your car.
What are the Muthanga safari timings?
Safaris usually run in two slots, roughly 7–10 AM and 3–5 PM. Timings can change, so check with the sanctuary before you go.
Can I book a Muthanga safari online?
Tickets are mostly sold at the counter on a first-come, first-served basis. Avoid unofficial booking websites and confirm current arrangements with the Forest Department.
Is the Muthanga safari suitable for children?
Yes, children usually enjoy it. Keep them seated, quiet and inside the vehicle throughout the safari.
What is the best time of year for a Muthanga safari?
October to May is the main season, and March to May often gives the best sightings. During the monsoon, safaris may be limited or closed.
