Wayanad District was officially formed on 1 November 1980 and became the 12th district of Kerala at that time.

Wayanad is famous for its misty mountains, forests, wildlife, coffee and spice plantations, waterfalls, caves, tribal heritage and scenic tourist destinations.

Popular attractions include Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, Pookode Lake, Banasura Sagar Dam, Lakkidi View Point, Soochipara Waterfalls, Kuruva Island and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

The major towns include Kalpetta, Mananthavady and Sulthan Bathery, along with places such as Vythiri, Meppadi, Panamaram and Ambalavayal.

Agriculture and plantation farming are major economic activities. Coffee, pepper, cardamom, tea, rice, ginger and other crops are widely cultivated.

Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad and is a popular destination for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

Wayanad’s forests support Asian elephants, tigers, leopards, gaurs, deer, wild boars and numerous species of birds and reptiles. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is an important wildlife habitat.

Wayanad is known for its rich tribal heritage, traditional customs, indigenous knowledge, temples, festivals, handicrafts and agricultural traditions. Communities such as the Paniya, Kurichiya and Kattunayakan have distinctive cultural traditions.

October to May is generally considered a suitable period for sightseeing and outdoor activities, while the monsoon season brings lush greenery, mist and spectacular waterfalls.