Bedecked among the High Ranges of the Western Ghats Wayanad district which lies between 700 to 2100 metres mean sea level has a predominant place in the tourist map of Kerala. A major centre of hill products the district is noted contributor of foreign exchange to the State. Apart from archaeological and anthropological uniqueness Wayanand has genuine claims for an enviable position in tourism promotion
Established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the northeast and Mudumalai of Tamil Nadu on the southeast. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is very rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyle of the tribals and others who live in and around the forest region
Wayanad has the highest concentration of tribals in Kerala. They form 1/5 of the total population of the district. It is the seat of Kurichiyas the valiant warriors of late King Pazhassi Veera Kerala Varma Raja who engaged the mighty British Army in several battles. Their descendants are still expert archers.
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