The etymology of the word Wayanad is Vayal (paddy) Naad (land); 'Land of Paddy Fields'. There Wayanad District (Malayalam: വയനാട്) in the north-east of Kerala, India, was formed on November 1, 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 region was known as Mayakshet
ra (Maya's land) in the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and finally to Wayanad. The Folk etymology of the word says it is a combination of Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), making it 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. There are many indigenous tribals in this area. It is set high on the majestic Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 m.Wayanad district stands on the southern top of the Deccan plateau and its chief glory is the majestic Western ghats with lofty ridges interspersed with dense forest, tangled jungles and deep valleys. British and Pazhassi Raja had fierce encounter I Wayanad. One important characteristic feature of this district is the large adivasi population, consisting mainly of Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kadans andKattunaikkans. 36% of population is adivasis. Wayanad has a small jain community consisting of Gowders who came from Karnataka. PROFILE
HEAD QUARTERS: Kalpetta, Area: 2132 sq km, Population: 780,619, Literacy: 85.25%
Local Bodies
TALUKS: Vythiri, Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady
BLOCK PANCHAYATHS: Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, Mananthavady
MUNCIPALITY: Kalpetta
Constituencies
Parliament:
Assembly: Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta
Rivers
Kabani, Panamaram river, Mananthavady river and Thirunelli river
Climate
Wayanad has a salubrious climate. The mean average rain fall in this district is 2322 mm. Lakkidi, Vythiri and Meppadi are the high rainfall areas in Wayanad. High velocity winds are common during the south west monsoon and dry winds blow in March-April. High altitude regions experience severe cold. Tourist Places
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. Refer: www.wayanad.nic.in[1] g
