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The name Waynad is derived from the expression 'Wayanadu' which means land of paddy fields. Wayanad offers a climate of the hill station similar to that of Oottacamand, offers a panorama of undulating hills and dales. The hills which might have been thick forest once, are now plantations of coffee, tea and cardamom. There is luxuriant greenery all around.

On a clear day from the river border of Kabini, Waynad will seem to be a fairy land with the deep blue mountains juxtaposed with the less blue sky and white vagrant speaks of clouds amidst them.

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

Wayanad district, nestles amidst the majestic mountains of Western Ghat, at a height of 700 to 2100m. above sea level, on the north eastern part of the state. It is bounded by Mysore, Kodagu and Chamrajnagar districts of Karnataka in the north & north-east. Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu in the district in the west. Kalpetta town is the district headquarters. The name, Waynad, is believed to have been derived from the word Vayalnadu, meaning the land of paddy fields. The present district of Waynad came into being on 1st Nov. 1980 on trifurcating of the then 
Kozhizhikode district The district presents a variation of climatic conditions. Nature has blessed this part of the 
state with mist clad mountains and verdant valleys. The district has enormous tourist potential due to its idyllic nature and  nearness to major tourist destinations of. Udagamandalam (Ooty)  in Tamil Nadu and Mysore in Karnataka. It is an industrially backward district. Agriculture is the main stay of the district's economy. The rich cash crop plantations of pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea, spices and other condiments has perhaps made Waynad one of the biggest foreign exchange earners in the state. Besides 
plantation crops, paddy is the most important agriculture produce. The extensive lush paddy fields of the district are truly impressive.

The splendid scenic spectacle, with hills appearing deep blue in bright sunlight and mist covered most of the time, juxtaposing on the green of the paddy fields is mesmerizing. The east flowing rivers of Waynad are in striking contrast to the various rivers of the state. The Kabbani river of  Waynad is a perennial source of water to the Kaveri river. The characteristic feature of the district is the presence of large numbers of tribals or Adivasis
(Aborigines). The district also has small Jain community consisting of Gounders who came from Karnataka. The Jains have built beautiful temples in the district.