2,131 km2
8,16,558 as recorded in 2011.
The official languages are Malayalam and English.
October to May.
Wayanad District is situated in the north-eastern region of Kerala. It was made a district in November 1980 by combining parts of Kozhikode and Kannur Districts. This hill station is placed in the Western Ghats with dense forests and deep valleys. The topography of this district is varied. Some parts are flat, some are in the lower hills and northern parts are at a high altitude. The urbanisation of this district is as less as 3.79%. The population of this district is least in Kerala. This is the precise reason why the forest cover of this region is still intact and has carefully preserved the natural beauty and some endangered flora and fauna of Western Ghats.
Earlier, the place was called Mayakshetra, meaning the land of Maya. It got changed to Mayanad and then Wayanad. The present name is said to be derived from two words, Vayal (paddy field) and Naad (land). The meaning hence becomes 'The Land of Paddy Fields'.
Climate & Geography
Situated on the southern tip of Deccan Plateau, Wayanad District lies in the north-eastern Kerala. This hill station in Western Ghats is mostly covered by deciduous forests. Kabini River and its tributaries flow through most part of Wayanad district. During April and May the temperature is relatively hotter. The rest of the year experiences a pleasant climate, owing to the high altitude positioning. Rainfall is extremely heavy here.
Transportation
Wayanad has good access by roads while railways and airways of other nearby cities can be used.
Air: The Kozhikode International Airport at Karipur is the nearest airport, 95 km. There are plans for constructing new feeder airport in the Wayanad district.
Rail: The rail connectivity for Wayanad is provided by Kozhikode Railway Station, 72 km away. Kannur Railway Station is at a distance of 93km.
Roadways: The National Highway 212 passes through Wayanad. It provides access to the district from major cities. Several state highways are also linked with the district.