Sulthan Bathery is a charming town in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is a perfect destination for those who love history, nature and adventure. Sulthan Bathery has a rich and fascinating past, as it was once the stronghold of Tipu Sultan, the legendary ruler of Mysore. It also boasts of some of the most stunning attractions in Wayanad, such as the pre-historic Edakkal Caves, the ancient Jain Temple, the Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary and the Chethalayam Falls.
Whether you want to explore the heritage, enjoy the scenery, or indulge in some thrilling activities, Sulthan Bathery has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Sulthan Bathery, including how to reach, when to visit, what to see and do, and where to stay.
How to Reach Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery is well connected by road to major cities and towns in Kerala and neighboring states. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, which is about 69 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Sulthan Bathery.
The nearest railway station is Nilambur Road, which is about 43 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to Sulthan Bathery. Alternatively, you can also drive to Sulthan Bathery from nearby places like Kozhikode (99 km), Ooty (95 km), Mysore (116 km) or Bangalore (280 km).
The road journey is scenic and enjoyable, as you will pass through three national parks: Nagarhole, Bandipur and Mudumalai.
Some tips and advice on how to reach Sulthan Bathery are:
The best mode of transport depends on your budget, convenience and preference. You can choose between taxi, bus or car.
The road conditions are generally good, but some sections may be narrow, winding or hilly. Drive carefully and follow the traffic rules.
The traffic may be heavy during peak hours or holidays. Plan your trip accordingly and avoid rush hours.
Parking may be limited or expensive in some places. Look for authorized parking lots or ask your hotel for parking facilities.
You may also like to read: A DAY GUIDE TO WAYANAD
Best Time to Visit Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery has a pleasant climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 25°C. However, the best time to visit Sulthan Bathery depends on what you want to see and do.
Winter (December to February):
This is the ideal season for sightseeing, trekking, camping and wildlife safari. The weather is cool and dry, with clear skies and sunny days. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 28°C, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. The rainfall is minimal, with occasional showers. The humidity is low, making it pleasant for exploring the town and its attractions. This is also the peak season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Summer (March to May):
This is a good season for enjoying the greenery, waterfalls and adventure activities. The weather is warm and humid, with occasional thunderstorms and showers. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 32°C, making it slightly hot for outdoor activities. The rainfall is moderate, with occasional heavy downpours. The humidity is high, making it sweaty and sticky for walking around the town and its attractions. This is also a good season for spotting animals and birds in the wildlife sanctuary, as they come out to drink water and cool off.
Monsoon (June to November):
This is a low season for tourism, but a great season for experiencing the beauty and freshness of nature. The weather is wet and windy, with frequent rains and cloudy days. The temperature ranges from 18°C to 30°C, making it cool and pleasant for indoor activities. The rainfall is heavy, with constant downpours. The humidity is very high, making it damp and muggy for venturing out of the town and its attractions. This is also a good season for witnessing the lush greenery, blooming flowers and gushing waterfalls in the region.
You may also like to read: Road trip to Wayanad
Top Attractions in Sulthan Bathery
Sulthan Bathery has some of the most stunning attractions in Wayanad, ranging from historical monuments to natural wonders. Here are some of the top tourist places in Sulthan Bathery that you should not miss:
Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are one of the most amazing attractions in Sulthan Bathery. They are two natural caves located on a hilltop at an altitude of 1200 m. The caves have rock carvings dating back to 6000 BC, which are considered to be the oldest evidence of human civilization in South India. The carvings depict various animals, humans, weapons, symbols and scripts, which reveal the culture and history of the ancient people who lived here. The caves are accessible by a steep trek of about 1 km from the parking lot. The trek offers scenic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The caves are open from 9 am to 4 pm every day except Monday. The entry fee is Rs 20 per person.
Jain Temple
Jain Temple is another historical attraction in Sulthan Bathery. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The temple was built in the 13th century by the Jain traders who settled here. The temple has a unique architecture that reflects the influence of the Vijayanagara dynasty. The temple has a square sanctum with four pillars and a pyramidal roof. The temple also has intricate carvings and paintings on its walls and ceilings. The temple was used by Tipu Sultan as a battery during his invasion of Malabar in the 18th century. The temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm every day except Friday. The entry is free.
Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to experience the wildlife diversity of Wayanad district. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and covers an area of 345 sq km. The sanctuary is home to a variety of animals such as elephants, leopards, bears, deer, monkeys, langurs, bison, wild boar etc. It also has a rich flora with over 900 species of plants including teak, rosewood, bamboo etc. The sanctuary offers jeep safari and elephant safari for visitors to explore its terrain and spot its inhabitants. The safari timings are from 7 am to 10 am and from 3 pm to 5 pm every day except Tuesday. The safari fee is Rs 300 per person for jeep safari and Rs 400 per person for elephant safari.
Chethalayam Falls
Chethalayam Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Sulthan Bathery. It is located about 12 km from the town on the way to Muthunga Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a seasonal waterfall that flows during the monsoon season from June to November. It falls from a height of about 30 m into a pool below. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky hills that create a picturesque setting. The waterfall is accessible by a short trek of about 500 m from the parking lot. The trek is easy and enjoyable, with views of the stream and forest along the way. The waterfall is open from 6 am to 5 pm every day except Monday. The entry fee is Rs 20 per person.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is one of the best places to learn about the culture and heritage of Wayanad district. It is located about 12 km from Sulthan Bathery near Edakkal Caves. It is a state-run museum that showcases various artifacts and exhibits related to the history, art, agriculture, tribal life etc of Wayanad region.
Best Places To Stay In Sulthan Bathery are:
Resorts:
Pepper Trail: A resort near Chulliyode that offers heritage bungalows, luxury tents and tree houses with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like plantation walks, cycling, fishing etc. The price ranges from Rs 14,750 to Rs 22,000 per night.
Mount Xanadu: A resort near Cheengeri Hills that offers cottages, suites and villas with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like trekking, boating, zip-lining etc. The price ranges from Rs 11,101 to Rs 18,000 per night.
Sterling Wayanad: A resort near Valluvadi that offers rooms, suites and villas with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like archery, paintball, pottery etc. The price ranges from Rs 8,618 to Rs 15,000 per night.
Homestays
Homestays are the best option for those who want to experience the local culture, cuisine and hospitality in Sulthan Bathery. There are many homestays in and around Sulthan Bathery that offer cozy rooms, home-cooked food, friendly hosts and other facilities. Some of the best homestays in Sulthan Bathery are:
Wayanad Blooms: A homestay near Edakkal Caves that offers rooms and cottages with attached bathrooms and balconies. The homestay also offers activities like bonfire, barbecue, farm visit etc. The price ranges from Rs 3,500 to Rs 5,000 per night.
Peter’s Hill View Residency: A homestay near Jain Temple that offers rooms and apartments with attached bathrooms and balconies. The homestay also offers activities like sightseeing, trekking, cycling etc. The price ranges from Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,000 per night.
Ente Veedu: A homestay near Banasura Sagar Dam that offers rooms and cottages with attached bathrooms and balconies. The homestay also offers activities like fishing, boating, birdwatching etc. The price ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 per night.
Tree Houses
Tree Houses are the best option for those who want to enjoy nature, adventure and romance in Sulthan Bathery. There are many tree houses in and around Sulthan Bathery that offer wooden cabins, comfortable beds, attached bathrooms and balconies. Some of the best tree houses in Sulthan Bathery are:
Vythiri Resort: A resort near Lakkidi that offers tree houses with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like spa, yoga, ayurveda etc. The price ranges from Rs 18,000 to Rs 25,000 per night.
Tranquil Resort: A resort near Kolagappara that offers tree houses with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like plantation walks, birdwatching, swimming etc. The price ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per night.
Marmalade Springs: A resort near Muttil that offers tree houses with attached bathrooms and balconies. The resort also offers activities like trekking, camping, fishing etc. The price ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per night.
Hotels
Hotels are the best option for those who want to enjoy convenience, comfort and affordability in Sulthan Bathery. There are many hotels in and around Sulthan Bathery that offer clean rooms, basic amenities, restaurants and other facilities. Some of the best hotels in Sulthan Bathery are:
Le Villagio Resort Apartments: A hotel near Karapuzha Dam that offers apartments with attached bathrooms and balconies. The hotel also offers activities like indoor games, outdoor games etc. The price ranges from Rs 4,602 to Rs 7,000 per night.
Hotel Le Sapphire: A hotel near Jain Temple that offers rooms with attached bathrooms and balconies. The hotel also offers activities like sightseeing, car rental etc. The price ranges from Rs 2,478 to Rs 4,000 per night.
Willow Resorts: A hotel near Chembra Peak that offers rooms with attached bathrooms and balconies. The hotel also offers activities like swimming pool, spa etc. The price ranges from Rs 7,552 to Rs 10,000 per night.
Sulthan Bathery is a historical and scenic town in Wayanad that has something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, nature or adventure, you will find plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy in Sulthan Bathery. You can also choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preference. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sulthan Bathery today and experience the beauty and charm of this town. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment or share your thoughts. We would love to hear from you.
