Recognized as the
Land of
Paddy Fields, the district of Wayanad came into existence on November 1, 1980 as the 12
th district of Kerala by extracting the areas from
Kozhikode and Kannur districts. The total geographical area of the district is 2132 sq. kms. According to the Historians the human civilization in this region existed almost ten centuries before the Christ in this area. The hills of Wayand still depicts the signs of New Stone Age Civilization.
However, the historical records of the region are available from the 18th century when the region was under the control of Rajas of veda tribe. After him the region came under the dominance of Pazhassi Rajahs of Kottayyam.
After the Hyder Ali became the empire of Mysore he succeeded Wayanad and brought the region under his dominance from the hands of rurlers of Kottayyam dynasty. In the later years Tippu Sultan handed over the region of Malabar region to the British as the result of the Treaty of Sreerangapattanam.
However, Varma Pazhassi Rajah of Kottayam declared the encounters against the British Military following the guerilla technique of sudden attacks on the soldiers. After a long struggle between the military of Kottayam Rajah and British troops the Rajah himself killed and his body was found in dense forests. In this way finally the region of Wayanad came under the dominance of British soldiers.
When the region came under the dominance of Britishers they opened the way for cultivation of tea and other cash crops and developed the infrastructure of the roadways. These roads were expanded towards the cities of Mysore and Oothy through Gudalur.
In 1956 when Kerala was constituted as the separate Indian state in November 1956, Wayanad constituted a part of Kannur district. In the later years south Wayanad was added to Kozhikode district. However, in the coming years from the development point of view north and south Wayanad were carved out and merged together to constitute a separate district of Wayand.
Statistical Data of Wayanad District:
|
Area (in sq.km.)
|
2,131
|
|
Population
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786,627
|
|
Males
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393,397
|
|
Females
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393,230
|
|
Sex ratio : Females/1000
|
1000
|
|
Density of Population
|
369
|
|
Per Capita Income (in Rs)
|
34123
|
|
Literacy rate
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85.52%; Male 90.28%; Female 80.80%
|
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Coastal line in km.
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Nil
|
|
Water bodied area in ha.
|
936
|
|
Forest area in ha.
|
78787
|
|
Assembly Constituencies
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1. Kalpatta
2. North Wayanad
3. Sulthan Batheri
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Geography: The total geographical area of Wayanad is 2131 sq.km. Due to its typical and distinct geographical locations each region within the district shows variations in the climatic conditions.
Tourism Places in Wayanad:
Chembra Peak: Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. District Tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implements on hire. The scenic beauty of Wayanad, which is visible from the top of Chambra, is very exhilarating.
Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom.
Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: Muthanga, Which is 16 kms. east of Sulthan Bathery, is located very near to the Karnadaka border. Wild forests covering an area of 345 sq.kms form the Muthanga wild life sanctuary; the biggest abode of wild animals in Malabar.
Sentinel Rock Waterfalls: This waterfall is at Vellarimala village near Chooralmala in Meppadi panchayat. It is a picnic spot as well as a trekking centre. The sentinel rock, a rock of more than 200 m. in height, is ideal for rock climbing.
Kanthanpara Waterfalls: Relatively smaller than Sentinal Rock Waterfall and rather less frequented, Kanthanpara and its surroundings are nonetheless very pleasant. An easy hike away from the main road, it is perfect for picnic.
To know more about the tourist destination of Wayanad district explore here
Connectivity: The district of Wayanad is well connected to all the means of transport:
Airways: Kozhikode airport at Karippur is the nearest airport (65 kms).
Railways: Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, 67 km from Kalpetta.
Roadways: Kalpetta is well connected by a network of state and national highways. The Kozhikode- Mysore National Highway No. 212 passes through Wayanad district. There are good many numbers of buses plying from Kalpetta to important destinations in the state.
To know more about Wayanad, click here