Introduction :

The name Wayanad is derived from the expression 'Wayalnadu' which means land paddy fields.
Wayand offers a climate of the hill station similar to that Oottacamand, offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales. The hills which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea and cardomom. There is luxuriant greenery all around.

On a clear day from the river border of Kabini, Wayanad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the less blue sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds amidst them.
The most characteristic aspect about Wayanad is a large tribal population.

Wayanad has a small Jain Community consisting of the Gounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. The Kurichiyar of Wayanad have a great marital tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who fought against the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers.

Physiography :

Wayanad with its peculiar and unique geographical position is blessed with mist clad mountains and sylvan valleys. It is situated at a height of 700 to 1200 metres above sea level, bounded on the East by the Nilgiris and Mysore district of Tamilnadu and Karnataka respectively. On the North by Coorg district of Karnataka. On the south by Malappuram district and on the West by Calicut and Cannanore districts. Wayanad's climate and the geography make it deal for cultivation of coffee, tea, cardomom, pepper, and rubber.

The soil of Wayanad district is mainly of the forest type. It promotes a lush growth of vegetarian which makes Wayanad clothed in uniform greenery. The fast flowing rivers of Wayanad are in striking contrast to the various river systems of the rest of Kerala. The Panamaram river let originating from Lakkidi and Mananthavady riverlet originating from Thondeumudi peak joins together 6km north of Panaram town and after the confluence the river is known as Kabini. The Kabini river systems of Wayanad is the perennial source of water to Cavery.