As you leave the royal city of Mysore in Karnataka behind and travel a distance of about 114 kilometres, you reach a town with the strange name of Sulthan Bathery. This town is the centre of tourism in the picturesque Wayanad district of Kerala. The name is attributed to the fact that Tipu Sultan, the tiger of Mysore, once stored ammunition in a Jain Temple of the town during a military assault. Apart from the name, Sulthan Battery the town is rich in attractions which will ensure that it figures high on your bucket list. Read on for a few things you can indulge in while visiting this town, apart from the other thrilling things to do in Wayanad.

Experience the thrill of Caving at Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves

Located about 13 kilometres from the town of Sulthan Battery, in the hills of Ambukutty Mala at a height of about 3,900 feet, are two intriguing caves. These are the Edakkal caves and can be reached after a moderate trek. The caves are home to strange pictorial writings on the rocks which can be traced to 6,000 BCE. The drawings point towards the fact that this place was the settlement of the Neolithic man, signifying the existence of a prehistoric civilization in these parts. The entire trip to the caves and the sighting of the prehistoric inscriptions is indeed a thrilling and unique experience.

Experience Nature and Wildlife at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

Sulthan Bathery is situated in the midst of the 344-square-kilometre Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, many of them rare and endangered. Elephants, tigers, bison, and deer frequent the sanctuary. The birds that can be spotted across the sanctuary are peacocks, peafowls, cuckoos, woodpeckers, owls, and much more. The lush green surroundings of the sanctuary provide the ideal breeding ground for the animals and birds of the region. The natural beauty of the place with the incomparable thrill of sighting wildlife in their natural surroundings is an experience not to be missed when in Sulthan Bathery.

Phantom Rock

Phantom Rock

An intriguing rock formation which looks like the Phantom’s Skull can be reached by trekking. The rock formation which sits at a height of about 2,600 metres is an awesome sight and one that captivates the imagination sitting amidst lush greenery. The serenity of the place and the sight of the Phantom Rock is sure to trigger an awesome experience that will remain etched in memory for a long time.

Karapuzha Dam

Karapuzha Dam

One of the biggest earth dams in India is located in the Wayanad district. This dam was constructed in 1977 with the prime purpose of irrigation. It is a picnic spot with a well-maintained garden which kids are bound to love. The breath-taking views around the dam make it an irresistible attraction near Sulthan Bathery.

Jain Temple

Jain Temple

The temple from which the town got its name is a 13th-century structure and built in the architectural style so prevalent in the Vijayanagar dynasty. The place is indeed a must for architecture and history aficionados who are sure to be impressed by this old and historic temple. It is also fascinating to note the metamorphosis the temple underwent as far as its use was concerned over the passage of history. Originally it was a temple, a place of worship and then slowly changed to a commercial place for trade and finally became a storehouse for ammunition. Today this structure in stone stands silently with many an untold story buried deep in its entrails.

These are enough reasons to ensure that the Quintessential town of Sulthan Bathery figures high on your bucket list. On top of that, you have the Sterling Wayanad which is your gateway to an experience that is bound to be rejuvenating and an indulgence for the senses.