Tholpetty is a moist decidous forests are rich in bio diversity and form an integral part of the nilgiri biosphere reserve.

The muthanga sanctuary is located over an area of 344 sq.km and is home to wild life such as guar, sloth bear, sambar, elephants, reptiles, tigers, spotted deer, monkeys, panthers, jungle cats, civet cats, wild dogs, bisons, lizards, wild pigs, leopards, lion tailed macaques & other animals.

In anicient times the land was ruled by the vedar rajas Kurumbranadu royal dynasty of kannur held rights to the land in early 18 th century.

The term wayanad literally means '' land of swamps''.Tholpetty is one of the largest protected areas and best places to see asian elephants & indian bison.