WAYANAD
Wayanad is often called the Green Paradise of God's own country-Kerala. It is a hill station district in the northern part of Kerala; with mist cladded peaks and green paddy fields. The place is famous for its scenic beauty, wildlife and traditional folk. The name "Wayanad" is derived from "Vayalnadu" which means the country of paddy fields.

HISTORY
Wayanad, One of the fourteen districts in Kerala, India, is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures painted on their walls and pictorial writings are remnants of the New Stone Age civilization. Blessed with a rich and extraordinary history, Wayanad bears testimony to several glorious ages of rule that has added to its heritage.

SALIENT FEATURES
The hills, which are deep blue in bright sunlight and lie mist-covered most of the time, juxtaposes with the green of these paddy fields. Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribal in Kerala. The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Kerala Varma Pazhassi Veera Rajah who engaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The excellence of Kurichya archery has been exhibited recently, at various centres.

TOPOGRAPHY
Wayanad is bounded on the east by Nilgiris of Tamilnadu and Mysore districts of Karnataka, on the north by Coorg district of Karnataka, on the south by Malappuram and on the west by Kozhikode and Kannur.

PEOPLE
One important characteristic feature of this district is the large adivasi population, consisting mainly of Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kadans, and Kattunaikkans are the different aboriginal tribes of Wayanad. The Kurichyas is the most developed among them. They are small land owners, whereas the members of other tribes are mostly labourers. Wayanad has a small Jain community consisting of Gowders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. Almost all sections of Christianity are well represented. One fourth population of Wayanad is constituted by Christians. Muslims constitute another one fourth population and rest of the population belongs to Hindus.

GETTING HERE AND AWAY
Wayanad is accessible from all parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu by road. The closest railway station is at Kozhikode. Kozhikode is also the nearest airport.