Wayanad is a northern district of Kerala (Southernmost state of India), was formed on 1 Nov 1980 as the 12th district. Wayanad, the land of spices lies between North 11˚ 27΄ and 15˚ 58΄ and east 75˚ 47΄ and 70˚ 27΄ at an altitude of 700-2100 meters above MSL, with Karnataka and Tamilnadu states as its borders. Wayanad, blessed with beautiful landscapes, lake, waterfalls, historic places, wildlife and picturesque mountains, is on the Western Ghats in north Kerala. The district HQ of Wayanad is Kalpetta, which is 80 km away from Calicut city. Other major towns are Sulthan Bathery and Mananthavady.
About Wayanad
The name Wayanad is believed to be derived from ‘Vayal nadu’, which means ‘Paddy Fields’. Wayanad was ruled by Vedar Rajas in the ancient days and later it came under the rule of ‘Pazhassi Raja’ of Kottayam Royal Dynasty. Wayanad came into being on 01 Nov 1980 by merging North Wayanad, then a part of Cannanore district and South Wayanad, which was a part of Calicut district.
One of the indigenous characteristics of Wayanad is the adivasi population of Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans etc. Wayanad has the first position among the districts of Kerala, in terms of percentage of Adivasi population. Among the total inhabits of this beautiful land a major chunk is settlers came from different parts of Kerala and some parts of Karnataka. There is a fair representation of Hindu, Christian and Muslim religions, while there is a good percentage of Jain community as well.
