The Western Ghats are very important as several perennial rivers, both west-flowing and east-flowing, have their origin here. The altitude of the Western Ghats varies along its 1,600 km stretch, with the tallest peak—Anamudi in Kerala—reaching a staggering 8,842 feet above sea level. The altitude and other factors create a habitat mosaic that supports diverse life forms. Apart from being home to many resident birds, the region also welcomes several migratory species during winter. Interestingly, the name of the district Wayanad comes from Vayal Nadu—Vayal meaning paddy field and Nadu meaning land—symbolising the “Land of Paddy Fields.”
Today, Wayanad tourist places are popular for their scenic beauty and biodiversity. The region is also known for its elephants, which often wander near human settlements. But beyond the obvious, Wayanad is home to many rare and unusual wildlife species, some of which we highlight below.