Wayanad Pincodes

Wayanad, nestled in Kerala’s northeast, boasts the distinction of being the sole plateau in the state. Its elevation, ranging from 700 to 2100 meters, extends from the Western Ghats, linking the Western and Eastern Ghats. Notably, Vellari Mala stands tallest at 2,240 meters, marking the district’s peak. Established on November 1, 1980, it spans 885.92 km², with lush forests covering significant portions. The region hosts three municipal towns—Kalpetta, Mananthavady, and Sulthan Bathery—while housing diverse indigenous tribes. The district’s rivers, like the Kabini and Chaliyar, hold historical and ecological importance, including the famed Edakkal Caves.

History

For over a millennium before Christ, human settlements thrived in this region, evident through remnants of a New Stone Age civilization scattered across Wayanad. The Neolithic era’s legacy graces the Edakkal Caves with rock engravings dating back 6000 years. However, recorded history unveils the district’s narrative solely from the 18th century onwards. In antiquity, the land belonged to the domain of the Veda tribe’s Rajas, wielding authority over these ancient terrains.

Demography

Wayanad, Kerala’s most sparsely populated district, stands distinct as the only one without a town or village sharing its name. As of the 2018 Statistics Report, its population numbered 846,637, akin to Comoros. Ranking 482nd in India by the 2011 Census, it boasts a density of 397 people per sq km, with only 3.86% residing in urban areas. Notably, 3.87% belong to Scheduled Castes and 18.86% to Scheduled Tribes, the highest proportion in Kerala.

Geography

Wayanad district, located at the Deccan plateau’s southern edge, embraces the Western Ghats. Its western region, adjoining Kozhikode district, showcases lush forests of the Ghats. The district, a segment of the southwest Deccan plateau, slopes eastward, boasting vast forested expanses. Despite rich forest cover, rampant exploitation of natural resources signals an impending environmental crisis. Trekking enthusiasts flock to numerous sites, including Chembra Peak (2,100m), the district’s highest, and Banasura Hill (2,079m). Wayanad is encircled by protected zones like Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Brahmagiri, and Aralam, forming a vital link with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Administration

Kalpetta serves as the district headquarters housing key administrative figures like the District Collector, District Police Chief, and District Judge. It stands as the epicenter for governance and judiciary within the district. The district comprises three taluks, each contributing uniquely to its cultural and administrative tapestry. Representatively, the area is served by three state Assembly legislators, ensuring local voices and concerns are heard at the state level. Kalpetta’s strategic location and concentration of administrative offices make it a pivotal hub for decision-making, governance, and legal proceedings within the district’s framework.