Tribal Groups and Tribal life in Wayanad
Wayanad, the beautiful district in Northern Kerala lies in the picturesque Western Ghats. It is believed to be the most backward district in Kerala. Wayanad also is the district with the biggest amount of tribal inhabitants. The major tribal groups here are the Kurichyas, Paniyas, Adiyars, Kurumas, Ooralis and Kattunaikkans. They lead a very different life when compared to normal people.They collect things from forest. Deforestation is a major problem to the natural life of the tribes.

Kurichya Tribe in Wayanad
Kurichya is the one of the oldest tribes in India whose story dates back as early as 18th century. They have a martial tradition who fought for Pazhassi Raja in the battle against British. They formed his army. They made skillful warriors. They still have the tradition of being good archers. They are the major tribe and the most developed ones. They are the richest too with some of them having land of their own while people of the other tribe are mostly labourers. Their population is about 29,375, according to the census of 1981. Their major languages are Kurichya, Kurichia and Kurichchia. They actually come under the group of unclassified Dravidians.

Tribal Centres in Wayanad
Wayanad has the highest percentage of Tribal population in Kerala and the secong highest number of tribal people in the state. Sulthan Bathery Taluk of Wayanad which ahas eight panchayats has different tribal communities such as Paniyas, Kurumas, Naikans, Uralis, Kurichiyas, Adiyas etc.

Tribal Temples and Festivals in Wayanad
Hinduism and primitive means of Worship are the religions that exist in Wayanad. Thampuratty and Vettakkorumakan are the major deities worshipped by the tribes. They don’t have temples but they also worship Hindu Gods.

Tribal Medicine in Wayanad
The tribals are experts in providing holistic natural medicine from herbs, which are absolutely free from side effects. A number of diseases can be cured using these herbal medicines.So this has made these medicines popular even outside the tribal community. The tribal way of cure include medicine, dieting and changing your lifestyle.
Tribal Arts and Crafts in Wayanad
Tribal arts like Vattakali and Koodiyattam are performed by the Kurichya Group by using Nellukuthu pattu.