Wayanad district –So called the “Green paradise” is also known as the “land of Spicy Hills” for its tedious treasures. It has a long history going back for many centuries. Situated (E. long 75° 47’ 23" and 76° 26’ 40" and N.Lat 11° 30’ 08" and 11° 58’ 40"; area of 2131 Km2) in Malabar is one of the border districts of Kerala, fringing the Mysore plateau to the north east and contiguous with the Nilgris of TamilNadu. It was formed on November 1, 1980 merging parts of North Wayanad taluk of Kozhikode (Calicut) and south Wayanad taluk of Kannur District.
Wayanad has a powerful history. Historians are of the view that organized human life existed in these parts, at least ten centuries before Christ. Countless evidences about New Stone Age civilization can be seen on the hills of Wayanad. The two caves of Ampukuthimala located between Sulthan Bathery and Ambalavayal, with pictures on their walls and pictorial writings, speak volumes of the bygone era and civilization. Recorded history of this district is available from the 18th century. Kerala was a major spice exporter as early as 3000 BC, according to Sumerian records. Its fame as the land of spices attracted ancient Babylonians, Assyrians and Egyptians to the Malabar Coast in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE. Arabs and Phoenicians were also successful in establishing their prominence in the Kerala trade during this early period. They had a great perspective view on the spice trade. So they travelled along the deep forests of Wayanad and reached the plateau of hidden secrets. The British opened the plateau of cultivation of tea & other cash crops and laid roads from Kozhikode (Calicut) and Thallassery to Ooty and Mysore through Wayanad. They lead this area to develop as major plantations like tea, coffee, rubber and various spices. This region is one of the largest producers of many spices especially cardamom from which it earns its name.