Wayanad District within the north-east of Kerala, India, was shaped on Novemeber 1, 1980 as the twelfth district by carving out areas from Kozhikode and Kannur districts. Kalpetta is that the district headquarters and the sole municipal city in the district. The region was referred to as Mayakshetra (Maya's land) within the earliest records. Mayakshetra evolved into Mayanad and then to Wayanad. The etymology of the word says it's a mixture of the words Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land), thus referring it as 'The Land of Paddy Fields'. The hills, rocks and valleys that contribute to the distinctive nature of Wayanad give for an exceptional journey experiences. Mountains and forests intersperse to form varied outback trails, trekking routes and provide opportunities for many adventure sports. With huge areas still undiscovered, there are several aboriginal tribes in this area. The Western Ghats serve as an enormous barrier shielding Kerala from the remaining peninsular India. There were always reports of continuous trespassing in small numbers in this region. Vital relics found in these region points at an important prehistoric era. Having an isolated culture the tribes of these areas have developed their own distinctive ways of survival to this day. Initially the area was under the Jain dominance and later on periodic reformations passing through era Wayanad is influenced by some of the outstanding leaders like Tippu sultan and Pazhassi Raja. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes starting from 700 to 2100 m. It is the least populous district in Kerala. The attractions include Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple, Edakkal caves, Wayanad Heritage museum, Muniyara Uravu the legendary Chain tree, Pallikkunnu Church, Korome Mosque, Paingatteri Agraharam, Pazhassi Raja's Tomb, Valliyoor Temple, Seetha Lava-Kusha Temple, Thrissilery Siva temple, Thirunelli temple and so on.
TOURIST SPOTS IN WAYANAD
Chembra Peak:- Chembra Peak being the highest hill in Wayanad, trekking there is a risky and exhilarating mountaineering venture. It is near Meppady town. It almost takes a day to reach the top of the peak.Read More
Edakkal Cave:- Edakkal cave is located 28 kilometers from Kalpetta and is much closer to Ambalavayal. This cave is not a cave in real sense; rather it's a cleft about 96 ft long and 22ft wide in the rock.Read More
Kuruva Island:- The uninhabited island, lying on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani and having a cross sectional area of 950 acres of evergreen forest, far away from the disturbances of city life is an ideal picnic spot.Read More
Lakkidi:- Lakkidi does command an eye-catchy and breathe taking setting and it is one of the highest locations in Wayanad. It is about 58 kms north east of Kozhikode and five kms south of Vythiri.Read More