Wayanad (വയനാട്) is a hill district in northeastern Kerala - Keralam, India, in the Western Ghats, bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Its district headquarters is Kalpetta. Known for forested hills, wildlife, spice gardens and coffee plantations, Wayanad is also a popular destination for nature and heritage tourism.
The district is home to diverse communities, including several Adivasi groups with distinct languages and cultural traditions. Agriculture, tourism and local trade support many livelihoods, with coffee, pepper and other crops shaping the rural economy. Well-known landmarks include the Edakkal Caves, noted for ancient rock engravings, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Banasura Sagar Dam.
Common civic concerns include human-wildlife conflict, agricultural incomes, land rights and access to healthcare and education, particularly in remote settlements. Residents also face questions around road connectivity, waste management and responsible tourism. Landslide and flood preparedness, forest conservation and balancing development with the district’s fragile hill environment are important public priorities.
