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.
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.
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.
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, 11.66301°, 76.25308°.
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.
Bathery St. Mary's Orthodox Cathedral, 11.66448°, 76.26541°. The oldest Malankara Orthodox Christian settlement began in the 1915.
Battery Jumaa masjid, 11.66322°, 76.25848°. This is the biggest jumaa masjid in the town and it can hold more than 1000 worshippers.
Edakkal Caves, 11.62580°, 76.23560°. 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 2017-10-31
Ganapati Temple, 11.66341°, 76.25742°. The major Hindu place of worship.
Jain Temple (Chandranatha Swamy), 11.66060°, 76.25061°. 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.
Kanthapara Waterfalls, 11.55180°, 76.03876°. A 30-m-high waterfall.
Kuruva Dweep (Kuruva islands), 11.82496°, 76.07390°, +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. 2017-10-31
Mariyamman Temple. Patronised by the local tribes.
Masjid Madeena, 11.66246°, 76.25481°. Juma Masjid in town.
Pakshipathalam, 11.93853°, 75.96179°. 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.
Pazhassi Raja Tomb, 11.80144°, 76.00066°. Memorial of the Lion of Kerala Veera Pazhassi Raja, who organized a guerrilla warfare against the British East India Company.
Thirunelly Temple, 11.91172°, 75.99581°. 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.
Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctury, Kerala 673 592 (20 km east of Mananthavady), 11.93493°, 76.00437°, +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. 2017-11-01
Ponkuzhi Temple, Via Naikkatty on Gundalpet road. 2016-10-31
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Opposite Karuna Hospital, Kozhikode Road.. 2016-10-31
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.
The place is known for spices, tea and condiments and for the local handicrafts.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division