Sultan Bathery is a small town in Wayanad, that derives its present name
from the famous ruler Tipu Sultan of Mysore. He built a fort over here in the 18th century. It is also known as Sultan Battery of Wayanad district. Though the fort does not remain any more, the place is worth the visit for the famous Jain temple. The place was previously known by the name of Ganapathivattom.
The primary occupation of the town people is agriculture. Though the place has a rural background, it has developed tremendously since the 1980's. Sultan Battery is known for its educational institutions like St. Mary's College, St. Joseph's English Medium school and Sarvajana School to name a few. Sultan Battery is a very famous tourist center. The place is also famous for its pepper plantations among other spice plantations. The location of Sultan Bathery is what gives it a very favourable climate throughout the year. The place is located hardly a few hundred meters above sea level. The place has scenic hills
that lend a mystical touch to the horizon. The population is as diverse as the geographical features. The place has a huge population of tribals (Adivasis). The place is worth the visit if you are looking for some peaceful time to spend amidst calm surroundings.
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal caves are 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 m on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that existed here in the pre-historic times. The caves can be accessed only by a trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit these caves. Entry is permitted only up to 1700 h. An interesting trek up of the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayal town takes you to this fascinating neolithic cave site. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. With at least three distinct sets of petroglyphs, the earliest thought to date back over 3000 years, it is assumed that the Edakkal caves had been inhabited at various stages in history.
Chethalayam falls is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls, 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. Its surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts.
Muniyaras
Excavations at various points around the foot of the Ambukuthi Hill (11 km from Sulthan Bathery) have unearthed a distinctive series of ancient burial vaults commonly called Muniyaras. Remnants of Stone age tools and pottery found within these cellars are displayed at the Wayanad heritage museum.
Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Muthanga
Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Muthanga was established in 1973, and is contiguous to the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipur of Karnataka on the north-east and Muthumalai of Tamil Nadu on south-east. Rich in bio-diversity, the sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, which has been established with the specific objective of conserving the biological heritage of the region. The sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna. The management lays emphasis on scientific conservation with due consideration for the general lifestyles of tribals and others who live in and around the forest.
The sanctuary is open from 6 to 8 am and 3 to 5 pm. Entry Rs 10 per person. Video Rs 150, Still Camera : Rs 25, Guide fee Rs 50 per jeep, Rs 300 for 8 seat jeep. Dormitory accommodation is the only option at Muthanga. No standard hotels to eat.
When to Visit
The best season to spot wild animals is from November to February, preferably in the early morning time. Only the first few visitor groups in the jeep safari will be lucky to view animals.
How to Reach
The Sanctuary is 17 km from Sulthan Bathery on NH 212 accessible by bus. The Karnataka border is 6 km away. The area is visited by wild elephant herds frequently.
Maha Ganapathi Temple, Sulthan Bathery
This temple devoted to Ganapathi is believed to have been built eight centuries ago. In the past, it was under the control of the Kottayam royal dynasty. Before the conquest by Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan Bathery was known as Ganapathivattam.
