The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is acknowledged as an idyllic abode for tigers and leopards. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary was certified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1973. The sanctuary forms a major part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. The supervisory board of the park accentuates on coining scientific preservation techniques, which compliments the traditional standard of living of the tribal residents living on the fringes of the forest area. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is affluent in fauna and flora. Plantations like maruthi, karimaruthi, rosewood, venteak, vengal, chadachi, mazhukanjiram, bamboo etc grow in the moist deciduous forest. In the semi-evergreen woods, Veteria indica, Lagerstroemia, Lanceolata, Termianalia paniculata etc also grow.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is speckled with a variable animal population which includes elephants, tigers, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bison, deer, bear, etc. Elephant occupies the prime position and interstate seasonal migration of elephant is a familiar sight. Reptiles like monitor lizard, many species of snakes and birds like peacock, babblers, cuckoos, owl, woodpecker and jungle fowl also inhabit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Tiger population of the sanctuary is fairly good.

First-rate roads connect the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with Kozhikode, Mysore and Ootty. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is also connected by rail to these places. The nearest airport is Kozhikode. Visitors can halt at Sultan Bathery or Mananthavadi and visit the sanctuary. Government rest houses and private lodges offer accommodation.