The only place in Kerala which is part of a Plateau. About 46% of the area in Wayanad is covered by forest and another substantial area by plantations. Wayanad has the largest tribal population in Kerala with 8 scheduled tribes including Adiyan, Paniyan, Mullukkurman, Kurichyan, Vettakkuruman, Wayanad Kadar, Kattuniakkan and Thachaanadan Mooppan. Wayanad borders both Karnataka and Tamilnadu states. Its forests are part of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve spread across all three states. Thirunelli Temple is estimated to be more than 5000 years old and Edakkal caves with paintings dated as far as 6000 years. There are also many ancient Jain Temples in Wayanad.