Wayanad is derived from the expression 'Wayanadu', which means the 'land of paddy fields'. Offering the climate of the hill station, Wayanad is blessed with mist-clad mountains, fast flowing rivers, soil which promotes a lush growth of vegetation and sylvan valleys. Situated at a height of 700 to 1200 meters above sea level, the district's climate and the geography make it ideal for the cultivation of coffee, tea, cardamom, pepper and rubber.

The most characteristic aspect of Wayanad is the large tribal population. Wayanad also has a small Jain community which has built beautiful temples all over the district. The Kurichiyar of Wayanad have a great martial tradition and earlier constituted the army of Pazhazzi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who fought against the British in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The Panamaram riverlet originating from Lakkidi and Mananthavady riverlet, originating from Thondeumudi peak, join together 6 km north of Panamaram town and after the confluence the river is known as Kabini. The Kabini river system of Wayanad is the perennial source of water to Cauvery.

The most characteristic aspect about Wayanad is the large tribal population. Wayanad has a small Jain Community consisting of the grounders who came from Karnataka. They have built beautiful temples all over the district. The Kurichiyar of Wayanad have a great martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhazzi Veera Kerala Varma Rajah who fought against the British forces in several battles. The descendants of these warriors are still expert archers.