Wayanad

Wayanad is a district located in the northeastern part of Kerala, India. Its administrative headquarters are situated in the municipality of Kalpetta. Known for its unique geographical features, it is the only plateau in Kerala, extending from the Mysore Plateau, which forms the southern part of the Deccan Plateau. Wayanad lies in the Western Ghats, with an altitude range from 700 to 2,100 meters. The highest peak in the district is Vellari Mala, standing at 2,240 meters (7,349 ft), located at the junction of Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode districts.

Formation and Geography

Formed on November 1, 1980, Wayanad became the 12th district of Kerala by merging areas from the Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The district covers an area of about 885.92 km², of which a significant portion is covered by dense forests. It includes three municipal towns: Kalpetta, Mananthavady, and Sulthan Bathery. The district is home to various indigenous tribes, contributing to its rich cultural diversity.

Rivers and Natural Resources

Wayanad is the source of several important rivers. The Kabini River, a tributary of the Kaveri River, originates here, as does the Chaliyar River, Kerala’s fourth-longest river. The district, along with the neighboring Chaliyar valley in Nilambur (Eastern Eranad region) in Malappuram, is known for natural gold fields, which are found within the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Wayanad is home to the Edakkal Caves, which have historical importance. The region has a rich cultural heritage, with several notable temples and mosques. Pulpally in Wayanad hosts the only Lava-Kusha Temple in Kerala, and Vythiri is known for the state’s only mirror Jain temple. The Varambetta mosque is the oldest Muslim mosque in the district.

The district played a significant role in the Cotiote War, where Pazhassi Raja, with support from the Kurichya tribe, Hindus, and Muslims of the Malabar region, led a revolt against the British.

Boundaries

Wayanad is bordered by several regions:

• North and Northeast: Karnataka (Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysore districts)
• Southeast: Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris district)
• South: Malappuram
• Southwest: Kozhikode
• Northwest: Kannur

Notable Locations and Connectivity

The central locations of Kaniyambetta and Muttil Panchayaths are easily accessible from all parts of Wayanad. Tavinjal Panchayath lies on the northeast border with Kannur district. Evidence from the ancient Ambukuthi Mala caves shows that people have inhabited the area since the beginning of the New Age Civilization.

Wayanad, with its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse cultural landscape, stands as one of the most unique districts in Kerala.