 The name Wayanad is derived from 'Vayal Nadu', which means 'the land of paddy fields or swamps'. With its mist-clad mountains, lush green plantations and dense forests, Wayanad has a hypnotic beauty. The Wayanad hills lie at the junction of the Western Ghats, Nilgiri hills and the Deccan plateau. With this unique geographical position, the hills present a delightful challenge for hikers and nature lovers. The forests of Wayanad are contiguous with Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandipur in Karnataka, thus forming a vast landmass for migratory animals to move about in their natural abode. This landmass forms the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected forest tract in south India.
 Flora: Moist deciduous forest is the climax vegetation of the area, and tends to occur in areas having an annual rainfall of 1100-1900mm. Except along the western edges and in a few other pockets, climatic conditions do not favour the formation of climax evergreen vegetation. Despite teak extraction, two moist deciduous forest sub-types are still discernible - forests with and without teak in areas of lower and higher rainfall, respectively. The marshes generally have a very lush growth of grasses and the best bamboo Bambusa arundinacea occurs along their edges.
Fauna: Bonnet macaque is principally found near human habitations. Carnivore species include tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, jackal and possibly also Indian fox. Elephants migrate from the sanctuary during both monsoons, returning during the dry season. There is a small gaur population. Other herbivores include sambar, spotted deer, Indian muntjac and black-naped hare. Despite heavy poaching pressure, the wild boar is relatively abundant and the giant squirrel is also present.
 For Birdwatchers: Wayanad is a very rich and green region. In all that greenery visitors tend to overlook the amazing number of avi-fauna. Peacocks, babblers, cuckoos, owls, woodpeckers, jungle fowls, coucals are a few of the various types of birds that can be seen here. The rare fairy blue bird and Malabar hornbill are other attractions. Wayanad is one place where bird watchers will never have a boring minute.
Climate: Temperatures vary from 13*C to 35*C. Rainfall increases from east to west and has reported an annual range of 1524-2540mm. February is generally the driest month and July the wettest. Most visitors prefer to visit Wayanad between August and May.
Wilderness Trails
Muthanga and Tholpetty Forest Ranges: Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at an elevation of 800m above mean sea level and forms one part of the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The perennial river and the elephant camps engage the tourists. Trekking can also be organized in these hills. Elephant rides ought to be interesting, as the sanctuary is the abode of wildlife including gaur, spotted deer, elephants, etc. This region is 15km away from Sulthan Battery and is contiguous with the Nagarahole National Park and the Bandipur Tiger Reserve of Karnataka. Tholpetty is another forest tract 30 km from Manathavady. Tigers are spotted very often in this range. Taking along guides and wildlife spotters are recommended.
 Kuruva Dweep: Kuruva Dweep is a group of islets in the river Kabini along the northeast border of Wayanad district. Kuruva is only 45 km away from Kalpetta, the headquarters of Wayanad district and has three main islands and a few submergible satellite islands. These islands present a unique ecosystem, which can be of great significance to nature lovers.
Chembara Peak: The highest Peak in Wayanad, 14km from Kalpetta town is at an elevation of 2100m above MSL. The peak is definitely a trekker’s delight.
Other attractions
 Pookot Lake: This perennial fresh water lake, nestled among the wooded hills, is the only one of its kind in Kerala. The boating facilities, children's park, handicrafts & spices emporium and fresh water aquarium are some of the attractions of this place.
Thirunelly: A region famous for its serenity and tranquillity, it also has religious connotations. The Papanasini River and the 1000-year old Lord Vishnu temple are attractions
for the tourist visiting here. Thirunelli is an epitome of temple architecture. The shrine is shielded with 30 granite columns and the ground paved with huge granite pieces.
Mananthavady: Mananthavady is the headquarters of North Wayanad forest division and is one of the most important places in the district. The Thrislerry and Valliyoorkavu temples and the Poonkzhi pond are the major attractions. The famous evergreen Rampur Reserve is located nearby.
 Edakkal Caves: On the Ambukuthi hills are the two Edakkal caves, natural rock-cut formations, created by a large split in a huge rock roofed over by other large rocks, all fixed in position through natural processes. These caves have become famous worldwide for their ancient carvings and pictorial wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar headdresses and swastika forms and symbols. Archaeologists say the place was one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Dating to the prehistoric era of the new Stone Age civilisations, these caves can be reached from Ambalavayal, 16 km from Sultan Battery. The last two kilometres to the caves have to be trekked. It is best to visit the caves in the morning.
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