Sultan Bathery

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 meters. The place is famous for its Jain temple.
Sultan Bathery is almost exactly halfway between Mysore and Kozhikode.

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

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.

• Assumption Church

• Banasura Sagar Dam - 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.

• Bathery St. Mary's Orthodox CathedralThe oldest Malankara Orthodox Christian settlement began in the 1915.

• Battery Jumaa masjidThis is the biggest jumaa masjid in the town and it can hold more than 1000 worshippers.

• Edakkal CavesThis 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 word Edakkal (Eda+kal) itself 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

• Ganapati TempleThe major Hindu place of worship.

• Jain TempleThe 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.

• Kanthapara WaterfallsA 30 m high waterfall.

• Kuruva Dweep

  phone: +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.

• Mariyamman TemplePatronised by the local tribes.

• Masjid MadeenaJuma Masjid in town.

• PakshipathalamIt is a bird sanctuary accessible only be trekking. To visit this place, special permission needs to be obtained from the forest department.

• Panaraman Jain Temple

• Pazhassi Raja TombMemorial of the Lion of Kerala Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organized a guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company.

• Thirunelly TempleOften 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.

• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctury

  phone: +91 4935-250853
  address: Kerala 673 592
  Tholpetty wildlife reserve forest is another UNESCO international biosphere reserve apart from Muthanga, part of Nilgiris reserve. Two entry batches are permitted.

• Ponkuzhi Temple

  address: Via Naikkatty on Gundalpet road

• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

  address: Opposite Karuna Hospital, Kozhikode Road.

• Walk up Edakkal caves and Ambukuthi MalaThese three caves are located 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 estatesKSRTC 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.

• ThovarimalaOne can go trekking 400 m to reach Thovarimala Ezhuthupara where one can see stone age pictorial writings on a rock.

• Pulpally RoadThe 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.

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
04936 220748

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

Budget

• Aradhana Tourist Home

  phone: +91 4936-220044
  address: Police Station Road

• Asma Lodge

  phone: +91 4936-220611
  address: Near Gandhi Square

• Dwaraka Tourist Home

  phone: +91 4936-220358

• Hiliya Resort

  phone: +91 4936211575
  address: Kenichira

• Karapuzha Lakeshore Resorts In Wayanad

  phone: +919388950853
  address: Nathamkuni po,puttad,Waynad
  Located in between Ambalavayal and Meppadi.

• MistyMount Homestays

  address: Payyampally, Kartikulam

• The Resort

  phone: +91 4936-220512

• SunBird Garden Resort

  phone: +91 4936-314621, +91 9946405089
  address: Kolagappara
  From this ‘Sunbird’s Nest’ you can enjoy the view of the spice garden and also the view of the rock, which is particularly beautiful at sunsets. Tree house, Ayurveda rejuvenation, conference hall, restaurant, outdoor and indoor games, swimming pool, camp fire, fishing, trekking, cultural programs

• WayanadHome Budget Resorts

  phone: +91 4936-212065, +91 9388448374
  address: WayanadHome, ChettiMoola

Mid-range

• Raindrops Resorts

• Eddakal Hermitage

• Green Leaves HabitatA lovely home stay with all felicities and committed to the principles of responsible tourism.

• Indian Coffee HotelGood 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

  phone: +91-4936-221900
  address: Manichira , Sultan Bathery

• LakeRose Serviced Villa

  phone: +91 98956 55937, +91 96564 10977
  address: Near Karapuzha dam, Vazhavatta
  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.

• Pepper Green Resorts

  phone: +91 4935 251 110
  address: Near Kuruva Island, Palvelicham, Kartikulam Mananthavady
  8 eco-friendly cottages built in bamboo. An undisturbed hamlet in the lap of nature.

• Woodrose Resort

  address: Near Ayyappa temple, Kozhikode road

• The eastern hills of Kerala are vulnerable to attacks from an Indian communist group called Maoists. Recently they 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.

• Gudalur
• Kalpetta
• Kozhikode
• Mananthavady
• Meppadi
• Mysore
• Ooty
• Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary – 16 km to the east, home to large population of elephants, and other wildlife, including some tigers