Wayanad is one of the 14 districts in the Kerala state and was created in November 1980 as the 12th district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts.  Kalpetta is the district headquarters as well as the only municipal town in the district.  The area is also called as Mayakshetra in the initial records.  Mayakshetra developed into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad.  It is said that a combination of Vayal and Naad, making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'.  There is lot of native tribals in this area.  It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.  It is the lowest populated district in Kerala.

Wayanad History

As per archaeological proof the Wayanad forests have been occupied for more than 3000 years.  Wayanad has a commanding history.  Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in these areas, at least 10 centuries before Christ.  Numerous evidences about New Stone Age civilisation can be obtained on the hills of Wayanad.  2 caves of Ampukuthimala situated between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, tells volumes of the bygone era and civilisation.  Known history of this district is obtainable from the 18th century.  The British opened up the plateau for cultivation of tea and other crops.  Roads were built across the dangerous slopes of Wayanad, from Kozhikode and Thalassery.  These roads were stretched to cities of Mysore and Ooty through Gudalur.  The virgin forest lands proved a veritable goldmine with unbelievable yields of cash crops.  When the state of Kerala came into creation in November 1956, Wayanad was part of Kannur district.  Later on South Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district.  Wayanad for development, north Wayanad and South Wayanad were carved out and combined together to form the present district of Wayanad.

Wayanad Climate

The distance from the mean sea level and the amount of forest cover creates a enjoyable climate in the area.  Usually the year can be split into four seasons, cold weather, hot weather, Southwest monsoon, and Northeast monsoon.  During the summer, the temperature goes up to a maximum of 35 C and during the winter, weather the temperature goes down to 07 C. The greater temperature changes in recent years are in the range of 18 C to 28 C. The average rainfall is 2,500 millimeters annually.

Wayanad Tourism

Tourist places in Wayanad
Chembra Peak
Edakkal Cave
Kuruva Island
Lakkidi
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary
Pakshipathalam
Pazhassi Raja Tomb
Pookot Lake
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Soochippara Waterfalls
Banasura sagar Dam