Definition
Wayanad district is an administrative district in the state of Kerala, India. It is one of the 14 districts of Kerala and is situated in the northeastern part of the state, forming part of the Western Ghats mountainous region.
Overview
Established on 1 November 1980, Wayanad was carved out of the erstwhile Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The district headquarters is located at Kalpetta. According to the 2011 Census of India, Wayanad had a population of approximately 847,000, making it one of the least densely populated districts in Kerala. The district covers an area of about 2,130 km², characterized by highland terrain, extensive forest cover, and a network of rivers such as the Kabini, Bhavani, and Mananthavady. The economy is based primarily on agriculture (especially plantation crops like coffee, tea, pepper, and vanilla), tourism, and forest-based activities.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Wayanad” is derived from the Malayalam words “Vanna” (meaning “came”) and “naad” (meaning “land”), together interpreted as “the land where people have come”. An alternative explanation links it to the Sanskrit term “Vyanād”, signifying a region abundant in water bodies. Precise historical origins of the name are not definitively documented.
Characteristics
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Geography: The district lies within the Western Ghats, featuring a series of hills, valleys, and plateaus. Notable geographical features include the Chembra Peak (2,100 m), the highest point in Kerala, and the Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earth dam in Asia.
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Climate: Wayanad experiences a tropical monsoon climate with moderate temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 30 °C. The monsoon season (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, contributing to the region’s rich biodiversity.
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Flora and Fauna: Protected areas such as the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tholpetty and Muthanga wildlife reserves host species including Asian elephants, tigers, gaurs, and a variety of endemic birds and reptiles.
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Demographics: The district is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Paniyas, Kurichiyas, and Kattunayakans, alongside non‑tribal populations. Malayalam is the official language, with English and tribal languages also spoken.
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Economy: Agriculture dominates, with major crops being coffee, tea, black pepper, cardamom, and ginger. The district’s natural scenery supports a growing eco‑tourism sector, attracting visitors to sites such as the Edakkal Caves (prehistoric petroglyphs), Wayanad’s waterfalls (e.g., Meenmutty, Kuruva), and heritage farms.
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Transportation: Wayanad is connected by a network of state highways; the nearest railway stations are at Kozhikode and Mysore. The nearest airports are Calicut International Airport (≈100 km) and Kannur International Airport (≈70 km).
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Administration: The district is divided into three taluks—Vythiri, Sultan Bathery, and Mananthavady—each comprising multiple villages and panchayats.
Related Topics
- Kerala (state)
- Western Ghats
- Malabar region
- Districts of India
- Tribal communities of Kerala
- Indian biodiversity hotspots
- Eco‑tourism in India
- Edakkal Caves
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary