In the foot-hills of the Nilgiris, this 321 sq km sanctuary is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve situated between Kerala and Karnataka state. A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found.

The sanctuary's wild elephant population is one of the largest in the country. Other forms of wildlife found here includes gaur, tiger, panther, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, porcupine, etc. The avifauna is varied with minivets, hornbills, fairy blue birds, jungle fowls, etc. Python, monitor lizard, flying lizard, etc. represents the raptiles.

Other picturesque, scenic spots in the sanctuary include the Moyar waterfalls, the Chief Minister's watch tower, Ombetta swamp, Theppakad elephant camp, etc. Elephant ride and vehical ride are arranged for the visitors.