Sultan Bathery Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally stunning town of Sultan Bathery in Wayanad, Kerala, with this comprehensive travel guide. Find out the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery, nestled in Wayanad, in the Malabar region of Kerala, Southern India, is a hidden gem that travellers must not miss. Surrounded by lush green landscapes, ancient temples, and historic ruins, Sultan Bathery’s rich cultural and natural heritage make it an intriguing destination for everyone. The name Bathery is derived from the word ‘battery’, which refers to the ancient military barracks that existed here.

List of Places to Visit in Sultan Bathery

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If history is your thing, then Sultan Bathery won’t disappoint you. Some of the top cultural attractions include:

  • Edakkal Caves: An iconic attraction of Sultan Bathery, the Edakkal Caves, etched with pre-historic engravings, is an absolute must-visit. The trek to the caves is an adventure in itself, with sights of paddy fields and natural boulders.
  • Jain Temple Wayanad: Jain Temple Wayanad is a marvellous mix of architecture and natural beauty, located close to Sultan Bathery. The temple is one of the few remaining Jain temples in Kerala and dates back to the 13th century.
  • Sultan Bathery Fort: A reminder of its former military role, the Sultan Bathery Fort is now in ruins. History buffs will appreciate its walls and battlements, constructed with large blocks of granite.
  • Wayanad Heritage Museum: The Wayanad Heritage Museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of Wayanad, exhibiting antique artefacts, handicrafts, and tribal folklore, providing an enriching experience for visitors.

Natural Attractions of Sultan Bathery: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts, Sultan Bathery is an adventure playground, offering plenty of cool natural attractions such as:

  • Chembra Peak: The Chembra Peak is the highest one in Wayanad, making it a trekker’s paradise. The view from the peak is breathtaking, with a heart-shaped lake, known as the “heart of Chembra,” that adds to the natural beauty of the area.
  • Soochipara Waterfalls: Soochipara waterfalls, also known as Sentinel Rock Waterfalls, is an idyllic location with a 200 m drop, surrounded by evergreen forests and tea estates. While adventurous, swimming in the natural pool at the base of the falls is a refreshing retreat from the summer heat.
  • Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary: The forests of Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary are among the last remaining primeval forests in Kerala, giving the wildlife a chance to live and thrive. The sanctuary is home to Kyathanmakki, panthers, sloth bears, elephants, and a host of birds and reptiles, making it a great place for wildlife safari.
  • Pookode Lake: Pookode Lake is a freshwater lake renowned for its scenic beauty and location amidst lush green forests. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride or feed fish while admiring the reflections of greenery on the clear water of the lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sultan Bathery

For active travellers and adventure seekers, Sultan Bathery and Wayanad have an abundance of hiking and biking routes, including:

  • Banasura Hill Trek: Located in the Banasura Hill Reservation area, the Banasura Hill Trek is not for the faint-hearted, as it involves a high-altitude climb. The trek takes visitors through grassy meadows, cascading waterfalls, and finally ends up overlooking Banasurasagar Lake.
  • Biking through the tea plantations: A bike trip through the tea plantations of Wayanad will give a close look into the farming of tea, pepper, and coffee, and provide an opportunity to sample the local produce.
  • Chembra Peak Trekking: Chembra Peak Trek is a moderate-difficulty trek, with the view of the heart-shaped Chembra Lake from the top being the highlight of the trek.

Best Things to Do in Sultan Bathery: Activities and Tours

Sultan Bathery and Wayanad offer a range of activities and tours for travellers, including:

  • Tribal Village Tour: A tour of the tribal villages around Sultan Bathery will give you an insight into the local culture and traditions of the area, providing visitors with a truly authentic experience.
  • Wayanad Wildlife Safari: Visitors cannot afford to miss the fascinating wildlife safari through the Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, with the opportunity to spot elephants, tigers, sloth bears, and other exotic animals.
  • Camping under the stars: Camping under the stars amidst the lush green forests and hills is a mesmerizing experience to have in Sultan Bathery.
  • Adventure Sports: Wayanad has everything adventure junkies could ask for, like zip-lining, kayaking, rock-climbing, and other adventure sports, ensuring there is something for everyone.

Week-Long Itinerary for Sultan Bathery

For a perfect week-long holiday in Sultan Bathery and Wayanad:

Day Activity
1 Visit Edakkal Caves and climb to the top of Ambukuthi Hill
2 Safari through Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
3 Trek to Chembra peak and stay overnight camping
4 Explore the Banasura Sagar Dam and Kuruva Island
5 Trek to Tusharagiri Waterfall and go for kayaking
6 Visit Wayanad Heritage Museum and Jain Temple
7 Visit Pookode Lake and Soochipara waterfalls

Food and Drink Scene of Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery and Wayanad have a unique local cuisine, flavoured by the use of coconut milk, spices, and herbs. Must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Appam and Stew: Appam, a fluffy fermented rice and coconut pancake, is enjoyed with a delicate vegetable stew.
  • Malabar Biriyani: Malabar Biriyani cooked with an assortment of local spices, meat or vegetables, and layered with Basmati rice.
  • Kerala-style Prawn Curry: A mouth-watering and spicy dish made with fresh prawns that goes well with steamed rice.

Local Beverages

  • Toddy: A beverage made from fermenting the sap of the coconut tree.
  • Parippu Vada and Tea: Parippu Vada, a lentil-based fritter, paired with a hot, steaming cup of tea is a popular snack.

Where to Stay in Sultan Bathery: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sultan Bathery and Wayanad offer a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, ranging from luxury treehouses, homestays, and camping facilities. Some of the top-rated options include:

  • Vythiri Resort: A beautiful treehouse resort that offers visitors an opportunity to stay amidst the forests of Wayanad.
  • Blue Ginger Spa Resort: The Blue Ginger Spa Resort is an ideal place for visitors to relax and recharge, surrounded by well-manicured gardens, and a pool.
  • Pooram International: A popular choice for visitors, Pooram International offers a comfortable stay with modern amenities.

What to Buy in Sultan Bathery: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Sultan Bathery and Wayanad offer a variety of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local products that visitors can take back home as a memoir of their travels, including:

  • Wayanad Spices and Coffee: Wayanad is known for producing some of the best coffee, tea, and spices in the region.
  • Bamboo Crafts: Handmade bamboo crafts such as baskets, plates, and lampshades make for beautiful souvenirs of Sultan Bathery.
  • Wayanad Honey: A natural and organic product, Wayanad honey is collected from bees that feed on the wildflowers in the area and is considered one of the best in the world.

Local Culture and Customs of Sultan Bathery

Sultan Bathery’s locals are proud of their cultural heritage, which is evident in their customs and practices. A few things for tourists to keep in mind would include:

  • Dress Code: When visiting temples, it is advisable to dress modestly and cover your legs and shoulders.
  • Respect the culture: Sultan Bathery locals, are friendly and welcoming, so engaging in conversation about the area’s customs, and appreciating their customs and way of life will be well received.

Best Time to Visit Sultan Bathery

The best time to visit Sultan Bathery and Wayanad is during the months of October to May, as the weather is pleasant, and there are few chances of rain. June to September is when the region experiences heavy rainfall, which may limit outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sultan Bathery

Do:

  • Try to learn a few Malayalam or Tamil phrases to communicate with locals.
  • Respect the culture and customs of the area.
  • Take part in eco-friendly activities and respect the natural beauty of the area.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter, and keep the environment clean
  • Do not enter into restricted areas
  • Avoid using plastic bags and contributing to plastic pollution

Safety and Health

Safety in Sultan Bathery

As Sultan Bathery is a small town, there are fewer chances of petty crimes, but it’s always recommended to take precautions like keeping your valuables safe and not venturing out at night.

Health in Sultan Bathery

Being a remote area, it’s always good for visitors to carry a basic first-aid kit, including insect repellent, sunscreen, and mosquito sprays. Visitors should drink bottled water and avoid drinking from a tap to prevent any stomach infections.

Getting to Sultan Bathery: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Sultan Bathery

The nearest airport to Sultan Bathery is Calicut International Airport, located around 85 km away.

Bus Stations Near Sultan Bathery

The KSRTC bus station in Sultan Bathery is well-connected with regular bus services from nearby towns like Kozhikode, Kochi, and Bangalore.

Other Options

Visitors can opt for private taxis, self-drive, or rent a car services to reach Sultan Bathery from nearby towns.

How to Get Around Sultan Bathery

Travellers can hire two-wheelers, autos, or taxis to travel within Sultan Bathery, and buses are also available for intercity travel.

Where to Go Next from Sultan Bathery: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Once visitors have explored Sultan Bathery, there are some other places around it to explore, including:

  • Kozhikode: Located around 90 km from Sultan Bathery, Kozhikode (Calicut) is famous for its sandy beaches, cultural heritage, and picturesque landscapes.
  • Coorg: The Scotland of India, Coorg, is located around 120 km from Sultan Bathery, a popular hill station known for its coffee plantations and stunning scenery.
  • Mysore: A 130 km drive from Sultan Bathery, Mysore is a city of palaces, iconic landmarks, gardens and is renowned for Mysore silk.

Conclusion

Sultan Bathery is a cultural and natural haven waiting to be explored. With its array of temples, museums, and monuments to its natural beauty, there is something for everyone. This guide is sure to help you plan the perfect vacation and make the most of your time in this enchanting town.

Sultan Bathery rivulet Sultan Bathery rivulet Jackfruit Tree inside the University at Ambalavayal Jackfruit Tree inside the University at Ambalavayal Edakkal Caves Edakkal Caves Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal Phantom Rock, Ambalavayal Vegetable shop in Meppadi Vegetable shop in Meppadi