Wayanad originate its name from two words - "Vayal", which means paddy field and "Nadu", means the land. So Wayanad is known as the land of paddy fields.  Wayanad is known for its scenic mist clad hill stations, extensive spice plantations, abundant forests and prosperous cultural traditions.

Historians are of opinion that organized human life existed in these hilly tracts even before 10 Century B.C. Evidences show the remnants of New Stone Age civilization on the hills of Wayanad. The Edakkal caves at Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and writings support this argument.

In ancient times, the tribes ruled Wayanad. Later Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam royal dynasty became the ruler of Wayanad.  Hyder Ali and his son Tippu Sultan invaded Wayanad.Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja of Kottayam, organized several guerrilla warfares with the help of Kurichya tribals but ultimately defeated. Thereafter, Wayanad fell under the control of British authorities. It was British who laid th roads through the Ghat region connecting Wayand to Kozhikode and Mysore and started tea plantations and cultivation of other crops.

At the time of formation of Kerala State, Wayanad was the part of Kannur and Kozhikode Districts. Later it became a separate district.

Irinjalakkud Koodal Manikyam Temple, the only temple for Bharatha in India is situated in Thrussur District. Cheraman Juma Masjid at Kodungalloor in Thrissur district is built in 629 AD, which was built in 629 AD, is the first mosque in India and the second in the world.

AT A GLANCE 

 ACCESSING ALAPPUZHA

 TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:  The wild life sanctuary at Muthaga is a major tourist centre. Herds of elephants, bear, deer, wild pig etc can be seen here.

PookkodeLake: Pookkode is an attractive and placid lake.  It is one of the freshwater lakes of Kerala situated about 2000 M above sea level and one of the major centres of eco-tourism in Wayanad. Surrounded by lush green forests the lake has picturesque landscape. 

Edakkal Caves:  contain ancient carvings and peculiar pictorial writhing of human and animal figures These writings show evidences of a  civilized society existed there even in pre-historic period. 

Thirunelli Temple: An ancient temple in the foot hills of the 5276 feet Brahmagiri Mountain. A journey through the forest gets you there. temple is a marvel of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granites. Beyond the Brahmagiri Mountain is the Kudagu district of Karnataka.

Pakshipaathalam:  A large variety of rare species of birds can be seen here. This  place can be reached by trekking. Birds can be sighted from the watch tower of this bird sanctuary.

Lakkidi: Lakkidi is the gateway to Wayanad, situated 700 m above sea level, at the crest of the Thamarasseri Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, murmuring streams and abundant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.

Wild life sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries, fulgurous waterfalls, tranquil lakes, lush greenery of the evergreen forests and the pristine nature unveils a visual spectacle to anyone visiting Wayanad.

.PHOTO ALBUM