Nestled among the mountains of the western ghats, lies Wayanad, one of the loveliest hill stations of Kerala. This green paradise, located at a distance of about 76 kms. From the seashores of Kozhikode , lies at a height of 700 to 2100m.above sea level, on the northeastern part of the state. The name Wayanad, is believed to have been derived from the word, Vayalnadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present of Wayanad was carved out , from the parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts and came into being on 1st November 1980 as the 12th district of Kerala. This backward district is, perhaps one of the biggest foreign exchange earners of the state, thanks to its cash crops of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments.

Most of the reserve forests in the state are in this district. The loamy soil generally show wide variation in depth and texture with a very high content of organic matter A large percentage of the population in this region are tribals. The native Adivasis mainly consist of various sects like Paniyas, Kurumas, Adiyars, Kurichyas, Ooralis, Kattunaikkans, etc.