The terrain of this sanctuary is undulating and dotted with scattered hillocks. At 1,158 m above mean sea level, Karottimala is the highest peak. One-third of the total area, nearly 110 sq km, is covered in teak, sliver oak, rosewood and eucalyptus plantations. The rest consists of deciduous forests, with a few patches of semi-evergreen trees. Bamboo groves are also abundant. There are different varieties of flora, shrubs and creepers in the forest. According to the 2004 census, elephants number a total of 216 in the Muthanga sanctuary alone, there are also four tigers and six leopards. The spotted deer, sambar and bison are the herbivores found here.