Agriculture has been the mainstay of this land for generations and recently tourism has created newer avenues. Although Malayalam is the official and ubiquitous language, the gregarious people of Wayanad will make an attempt to converse with you or help you out in English and Hindi if and when the need arises.
With the largest tribal population of Kerala, Wayanad’s tapestry of denizens is complex and colourful, with each tribe having its own special trade and purpose. Kurichiyas and Kurumas have a strong tradition of martial art. Uralis are primarily an ‘artisanal tribe. Kaatunayakans are jungle chieftains and sentinels who have traditionally safeguarded the jungles of Wayanad. Many of these tribes have their own unique languages and dialects with no script and hence a completely spoken language.
Apart from the tribes, Wayanad is also home to diverse religious populations settled here in harmony for centuries including Hindus, Jains, Muslims and Christians. Some of the oldest Jain temples are found here amidst the verdant estates, an experience arduous to express.
