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From Wikivoyage

Sultan Bathery, also spelled Sulthan Bathery and previously known as Sultan's Battery, is a town of 27,000 people (2011) in the Malabar region of Kerala. The place is famous for its Jain temple.

Sultan Bathery rivulet
Jackfruit Tree inside the University at Ambalavayal

Understand

The town in olden days served as a military post of Tipu Sultan and the Sultan had a battery placed here, hence the name Sultan Battery. The town was previously called Hennaradu Peedike (Twelve Shops). The town is at an altitude of 930 m.

Sultan Bathery is almost exactly halfway between Mysore and Kozhikode.

Get in

The nearest airports are at Kozhikode and Bangalore. The nearest railway stations are at Kozhikode and Mysore. You can drive to Sultan Battery from Mysore, Ooty and Kozhikode.

From Mysore and Kozhikode, Sultan Bathery is reachable by bus in around 3-4 hours.

Sultan Bathery is the biggest transport hub of Wayanad district. It is located near the border with the Karnataka state. There is a major Kerala Transport Depot in Sultan Battery. Most of the long distance buses to Kozhikode, Ooty and Bangalore start from this depot. The town also has two smaller bus stations for local travellers.

Main routes

  • Bangalore-Mysore-Gundalpet-MuthangaForest-Sultanbattery.256 km (The best roads are in this route)
  • Sultan Battery-Kolagappara-Kakkavayal-Muttil-Kalpetta-Chundale-Vythiri. 35 km (Main Wayanad Road)
  • Ooty-Gudalur-Devarshola-Sultan Battery. 92 km
  • Kozhikode-Thamarassery-Vythiri-Kalpetta. 70 km.
  • Malappuram-Nilambur-Vazhikkadavu-Gudalur-Sultanbattery. 120 km

Get around

Autorikshaws charge ₹15 per km and buses are even cheaper at ₹7 for three km.

Taxis can be hired. Jeeps or any four-wheel drive vehicles would be good to negotiate the tough terrain.

Cars can be rented for as cheap as ₹1800 a day with a driver. The rate is even cheaper if you rent without a driver.

See

  • 1 Assumption Church. 
  • Banasura Sagar Dam (pictured in article banner) - It is the largest earthen dam in India and the second largest in Asia, and an ideal starting point for hikes into the surrounding scenic mountains.
Map
Map of Sultan Bathery
  • 2 Bathery St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral (Chungam, 1 km from the center of town). The oldest Malankara Orthodox Christian settlement began in the 1915. 
  • 3 Battery Jumaa masjid (the masjid is situated near the Sultan Battery town bus stand). This is the biggest jumaa masjid in the town and it can hold more than 1000 worshippers. 
Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Edakkal Caves
Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal
  • 4 Edakkal Caves. 9AM-4PM (last entry). This must-see location of breathtaking beauty in the Ambukuthy Mountain is not a cave in the real sense. As stated in the India Antiquary, it is only a cleft about 96 ft long and 22 ft wide in the rock. The name Edakkal (Eda+kal) means "middle of the rock". It is a fissure made by a corner of rock splitting off from the main Entrance to Edakkal Caves due to some natural causes. The depth of the cleft and the fissure is 30 ft. What makes it a cave to the ordinary observer is the fact that in the other portion of the large cleft, an enormous rock, weighing several tonnes, has fallen forming a roof over a large part of it.
    The rock wall contains some interesting carvings, which represent human and animal figures and objects of human use and symbols. These carvings, dating to the Neolithic age (6000 BC), speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age and inspires the archaeologists and historians to rewrite the history of Wayanad and Kerala as a whole. Specifically, look out for the carvings interpreted as the woman with the jug, the sun, the chieftain, the animal, and the peacock. The caves were discovered in 1894 by an English police superintendent named Fred Fawcett. The story goes that he discovered a hunting axe, which eventually led to the discovery of the caves. However, the caves were taken over by Archeological Survey of India only in 1984, so some vandalism can also be spotted on the walls. A vertical cleft near one of the corners offers a rare view of Wayanad.
    These caves are said to have been frequented by Jain monks at a later age. The guard at the caves may be ready to help out with information. The caves are accessible now with steep but strong steps. There are excellent views of Wayanad on the way up, and there are a separate set of steps leading down as a faster route     ₹30. (updated Oct 2017)
  • 5 Ganapati Temple. The major Hindu place of worship. 
  • 6 Jain Temple (Chandranatha Swamy). The temple is believed to be built in the 13th century was a place of commerce and worship until Tipu Sultan made it his military hangout where he placed a battery and hence the name Sultan Battery. Also known as Tippu's Fort. 
  • 7 Kanthapara Waterfalls (12 km south-east of Kalpetta). A 30-m-high waterfall. 
  • 8 Kuruva Dweep (Kuruva islands) (40 km northwest of Sultan Battery), ☏ +91 4936 203428. 950 acres of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabini, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Rare species of birds, orchids and herbs are the sovereigns of this supernal kingdom. As a precaution do not stay on this island after dusk. The island is sometimes closed for entry depending on whether the water level is dangerously close to flooding. Hence, in rainy season it is best to call up the authorities beforehand to enquire whether it is open. (updated Oct 2017)
  • Mariyamman Temple. Patronised by the local tribes. 
  • 9 Masjid Madeena. Juma Masjid in town. 
  • 10 Pakshipathalam (7 km north-east of Thirunelly temple). It is a bird sanctuary accessible only be trekking. To visit this place, you must get special permission from the forest department. 
  • Panaraman Jain Temple (5 km northeast of Panamaram). 
  • 11 Pazhassi Raja Tomb. Memorial of the Lion of Kerala Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organized a guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company. 
  • 12 Thirunelly Temple (29 km northeast of Mananthavady under the Brahmarigi hills in the reserve forests). Often called Thekkan Kasi. It is believed that a bath in the holy water of Papanasini will wipe off all the sins. Apart from the temple, Thirunelly is a place of scenic beauty. Its Famous for its architecture, the shrine is shielded with 30 granite on the bank of Papanasini river. Pakshipathalam, an interesting trekking centre, is 7 km away from the temple. 
  • 13 Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctury (20 km east of Mananthavady), ☏ +91 4935-250853. 6AM-8AM, 3PM-5:30PM. Tholpetty wildlife reserve forest is another UNESCO international biosphere reserve apart from Muthanga, part of Nilgiris reserve. Two entry batches are permitted. (updated Nov 2017)
  • Ponkuzhi Temple, Via Naikkatty on Gundalpet road. (updated Oct 2016)
  • Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Opposite Karuna Hospital, Kozhikode Road.. (updated Oct 2016)

Do

  • Walk up Edakkal caves and Ambukuthi Mala (12 km from Sultan Battery). These three caves are at a height of 1,000 m (3,281 ft) on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. From Edakkal, you have to walk 1 km to reach Edakkal Caves. One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves. 
  • Bus-tour through tea estates. KSRTC operates a low floor non-AC all Wayanad round trip from Sultan Bathery. The bus starts by 7AM from Sultan Bathery and goes by Chulliyod, Ambala Vayal, Vaduvanchal, Meppadi, WIMS Hospital, Chundale and reaches Vythiri. The return trip is through the highway via Kalpetta, Meenangadi and finally reaches back at Sultan Bathery. (updated Aug 2015)
  • Thovarimala (5 km from Sultan Battery). You can trek 400 m to reach Thovarimala Ezhuthupara where you can see stone age pictorial writings on a rock. 
  • Pulpally Road. The road from Sultan Bathery to Pulpally town goes through the very middle of dense forest and tribal settlements. The road is dark even at noon, because of very good tree cover. Buses are available every one hour on this route. (updated Nov 2016)
  • Cheengeri Hills, Ambalavayal, ☏ +91 9947147496. Local bus services are available for transportation between Ambalavayal and Cheengeri.
    Kaduvakuzhi view point is very scenic.     (updated Jan 2021)

Eat

Vegetable shop in Meppadi

Kerala food is available in restaurants. European food is available in resorts and home stays only.

Bamboo rice (called Mulayari by locals) can be found in Wayanad. These are seeds of the Bamboo plant, richer in protein than rice and wheat, but tasting like rice. Bamboo rice payasam stalls can be spotted near Edakkal caves walkway. Bamboo is said to yield seeds after a long span, so it is said that harvesting bamboo rice is a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience.

Home-made chocolates and local Wayanad tea and coffee are also sold in many places. Shops near Edakkal caves offer many options such as spiced versions.

  • Bamboo Mess Restaurant, near private bus station signal, Sulthan Bathery. Delicious kappa biriyani. ☏ +91 04936 220748

Buy

The place is known for spices, tea and condiments and for the local handicrafts.

Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

  • Raindrops Resorts (Nambikolli, Sultan Bathery Road, Wayanad - near to Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary), ☏ +91 83019 57119, . ₹5,200-10,500. (updated Dec 2018)
  • Eddakal Hermitage (near Eddakal Caves, can be reached on the way to Eddakal Caves), ☏ +91 4936 221860, +91 4936 260123, . ₹3,500-4,000. 
  • Green Leaves Habitat (opposite st Marys College), ☏ +91 944647635. A lovely home stay with all felicities and committed to the principles of responsible tourism. ₹2,500. 
  • Indian Coffee Hotel. Good place run by a cooperative society. Gives Udupi style of food like dosa, idli and vada. Mostly vegetarian food is available here but eggs are available in roasted or bull's eye varieties. 
  • KTDC Hotel, Manichira, ☏ +91 4936-221900, . ₹1,700+. (updated May 2015)
  • LakeRose Serviced Villa (LakeRose Home Stay), Near Karapuzha dam, Vazhavatta (5 km from Kakkavayal on Calicut- Kollegal Highway (NH212)), ☏ +91 98956 55937, +91 96564 10977. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: 11AM. Beside Karapuzha dam. Good view of the lake from the property. Eco-friendly, amidst full greenery, kids' play area, Shuttle badminton court, large garden at the back yard. From ₹3,000 (1 room) to ₹9000 (all 3 rooms). 
  • Pepper Green Resorts (Wayanad Resort), Near Kuruva Island, Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady, ☏ +91 4935 251 110. 8 eco-friendly cottages built in bamboo. An undisturbed hamlet in the lap of nature. ₹3,000-5,000. 
  • Woodrose Resort, Near Ayyappa temple, Kozhikode road (3 km). (updated Oct 2016)

Stay safe

  • The eastern hills of Kerala are vulnerable to attacks from an Indian communist group called Maoists. They once attacked the ticket counter of Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali. As the Maoists are armed and dangerous, be careful when you trek in lonely areas.
  • Leeches are common in the hills. Carry some table salt to dislodge the leeches.
  • Monkeys can be a nuisance, especially at places like Lakkidi viewpoint. Be careful and keep your car windows closed, and food items hidden.

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