Established in 1984, the sanctuary is administered by the Wayanad division and headquarted at Iritty, a small town that lies 10 km to the east. The topography varies from 50 m at the foothills to the highest peak, Katti Betta, at 1,145 m. Copious rainfall, about 3,000 mm annually, keeps the forested areas predominantly evergreen. There are vast tracts of teak and eucalyptus plantations as well. Not far from the sanctuary, flows the Aralam River.
         A wide variety of flora can be found here. The fauna includes birds and animals endemic to the Western Ghats, such as deer, boar, bison and elephant. Jungle cats and leopards are found in smaller numbers.