The name Wayanad derived from 'Wayalnadu' means land of paddy fields. The picturesque plateau, having the largest concentration of tribal population in the state, was once known as Africa in Kerala. Kalpetta, the only municipal town in the district, is district headquarters. Tourists were late to find this unsung paradise which is Kerala's answer to Tamilnadu's Ootty or Karnataka's Madikeri. In many fronts, the hilly-district stands unique. In monsoon days Wayanad is soaking wet. Colonial presence in the district in the second half of the 19 the century has transformed the district, then a vast reserve forest, into plantations of coffee and tea. Even then, the district is credited with 78787 hector reserve forest, the largest forest tract in a Kerala district. Wayanad is in fact cordoned off by six districts of Kerala, Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Several microscopic communities such as Jains and Kurichiyars are housed in the district. The district offers much for anthropologists and archeologists. The Kurichiyars, now a decadent group, have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Rajah who fought against the British forces in this part of the country. They still excel in archery. The district is the largest producer of pepper in the country.

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES, Muthenga, Tholpetty : Muthanga sanctuary is adjacent Bhandipur Sanctuary in Tamilnadu. These areas are teaming with elephants and during scorching summer, elephants in herds move to Muthenga from Bhandipur. Muthanga on Kozhikode-Mysore route. 20 km from Sulthan Bathery. Tholpetty near Mananthavady.
 

THIRUNELLY : Vishnu Temple, one of the oldest in South India, is known as Southern Kasi. River Papanasini is nearby the temple. River Kabani, a major tributary of Legendary Caveri, originates from the thick forest of 5276- feet-high Brahmagiri hills. 27 km from Mananthavady.

PAKSHIPATHALAM : A natural nest for birds, in the Brahmagiri valley. rare species are seen.

POOKODU LAKE : A major tourists hub in the district. A natural lake tucked away in the hills. facility for paddling country boat

MANANTHAVADY : Pazhassi Raja, who died a martyr's death at the hands of British, rests here. His tomb is preserved by state Archeology Department. 100 km from Kozhikode.

EDAKKAL CAVES, Ambalavayal : Archeologists reason that the scribbles on the caves dates back to pre-historical period. 80 Km from Kozhikode.