Wayanad district was formed by incorporating the Taluks of North Wayanad and South Wayanad on 1 November 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala. It is set high on the Western Ghats with altitudes ranging from 700 to 2100 meters Vellari Mala, a 2,240 m (7,349 ft) high peak situated on the trijunction of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts, is the highest point in Wayanad district.
Wayanad district, along with the Chaliyar valley in neighbouring Nilambur region in Malappuram district, is known for natural Gold fields, which is also seen in other parts of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. Chaliyar river, which is the fourth longest river of Kerala, originates in Wayanad plateau.
Wayanad district is bordered by Karnataka (Kodagu and Mysore districts) to north and north-east, Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) to the south-east, Malappuram to south, Kozhikode to the south-west and Kannur to the north-west. Wayanad is famous for the unparalleled freedom fight against the British and martyrdom of Pazhasshi Raja with the help of the Kurichya sect of the tribal community in association with Hindus and Muslims of the Malabar region.
During British Raj, Wayanad was a Taluk in the erstwhile Malabar District The regions included in the Taluks of Gudalur and Pandalur in present-day Nilgiris district, which is also known as Southeast Wayanad, also formed part of the erstwhile Wayanad Taluk. Southeast Wayanad was a part of Malabar District until 31 March 1877, when it was transferred to the neighbouring Nilgiris district due to the heavy population of Malabar and the small area of Nilgiris. Wayanad was a separate Revenue Division within the Malabar District until 1924.
Wayanad is famous for its large amount of camping and trekking trails, breath-taking waterfalls, caves, bird-watching sites, flora, fauna and an overall plethora of magnificent sights. This area has been a tourist favourite over the years. People are especially delighted by the range of exotic products including spices, coffee, tea, bamboo products, honey and herbal plants available here.
Top 10 Tourist attractions to see in Wayanad
- Lakkidi View Point
- Chain Tree
- Edakkal Caves
- Kuruva island
- Bansura Sagar Dam
- Pookode Lake
- Wayand Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pazhassi Raja Tomb
- Wayanad Heritage Museum
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary