This small town is situated at a height of 1000 metres above Mean Sea Level 24 kms from Kalpetta, the headquarters of the district of Wayanad in Kerala. It lies on the Kozhikode-Mysore Highway NH 212, which passes through the town. Although the primary occupation here is agriculture and the town has a rural background, it has developed tremendously since the 1980’s and is well known for its educational institutes like the St. Mary’s College, St. Joseph’s English Medium School and the Sarvajana School.
History:
Sultan Battery was earlier known as Ganapathivattom, but later derived its name from the famous ruler, Tipu Sultan, also known as the ‘Tiger of Mysore’. He wanted to prevent enemy warships from entering the Gurupur River so he captured the Jain Temples and built a battery or ammunition store in black stone in the 18th century. Although the battery was initially built as a watch tower, one gets the impression of a miniature fortress. The fortress no longer exists but the place is visited for its Jain Temples.
Best For:
Pepper and spice plantations, scenic hills and the nearby animal sanctuaries attract visitors to Sultan Battery. It is also visited for its famous Jain Temples.
Sultan Battery enjoys a favourable climate throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the cool months of October to February. It is warm from March to May; the southwest monsoon rains effect the area from June to September and the northeast monsoon during October and November. High velocity winds are common during the monsoon season so it is not advisable to visit during this period.
Foreign currency can be changed at the three international airports of Kerala, namely, Thiruvanantapuram, Cochin and Calicut. Some of the home stays and hotels of Sultan Battery also offer this service.
Sultan Battery can be reached by road from Mangalore or from Calicut. It is equidistant from Mysore (Karnataka) and Calicut which can be approached by train or by flight. Mysore can be reached from Bangalore by road or by rail.
Domestic Flights The nearest domestic airport is at Calicut, 98 kms away.
International Flight:
Flights from most of the cities around the world operate to Thiruvantapuram, Cochin and Calicut, the three international airports of Kerala. Flights from some Middle East countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, operate on a daily basis. Emirates Airlines follows the UK- Dubai-Kerala route while Air Sri Lanka flies UK- Colombo- Kerala.
Road Travel Sultan Battery lies on the National Highway 212 which connects Calicut to Mysore. The road from Calicut to Sultan Battery, though full of steep climbs and hairpin bends, is full of breathtaking scenery. Frequent buses are available from the KSRTC bus stand and new bus stand on Stadium Road in Calicut.
Train Travel The nearest railway station is at Calicut.
Edakkal Caves – are located 12 kms from Sultan Battery, 3 kms from Ambalavayal and 25 kms from Kalpetta. These caves are accessible only by a one km trekking trail. They are natural caves formed by giant stones resting on each other. A cleft about 96 feet long and 22 feet wide can be seen in a rock fissure made by a corner of one rock splitting off from the main body. New Stone Age pictorial writings on the walls are evidence of the pre-historic civilization that existed here. The caves were discovered in 1894 by Fred Fawcett and the cave site marks an ancient route linking Mysore and the ports of Malabar.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 300 sq kms this sanctuary is a haven for many species of birds and animals. Elephants and deer can be seen frequently while one can get an occasional sighting of tigers and panthers. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from June to October when most of the animals can be spotted.
Pookot Lake this is a perennial fresh water lake nestled amongst the hills offering breathtaking views and is ideal for boating. Spices and handicraft items are available on sale near the lake.
KuruvaIsland This is a breathtaking 950 acre wooded island wrapped around by rivulets and is ideal for camping and peaceful nature trails. It is uninhabited and has rare species of birds, orchids and herbs. It is 17 kms east of Mananthavady and 40 kms northwest of Sultan Battery.
Banasura Sagar Dam is the largest earth dam in India. The topography here is such that many islands are formed in the upstream when the dam is full. These islands with the background of the dam provide a hypnotic sight.
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary, located 16 kms east of Sultan Battery, near the Karnataka border, is the biggest abode of wild animals in the Malabar. Elephant, spotted deer, bison, tiger, cheetah and wild bear can be seen here amidst their natural habitat and visitors can also enjoy an elephant ride.
Pakshipathalam is a bird sanctuary located in the Brahmagiri Hills at Thirunelli and is accessible only by trekking 17 kms through the forests. Special permission is required from the Forest Department to reach there as it houses many rare species of birds.
Panmaran located 29 kms from Sultan Battery, has the remnants of the historic Pazhassi Raja Fort. This fort was his stronghold till the British seized it in 1805. At Pulpally is a cave in which Pazhassi Raja took refuge until he was captured. The Raja is also believed to have gifted a temple, the Mariamma Kovil, to the local tribesmen as a reward for their help in his fight against the British invaders.
Amongst the numerous temples found near Sultan Battery, in Wayanad, the Thirunelli Temple, located 64 kms from Kalpetta is revered as the ‘Dakshin Kashi’, or Benares of the South. The shrine is shielded by 30 granite columns and the ground is paved with huge square pieces of granite. It is believed to have been dedicated by Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu, in the form of Chaturbhuja and draws pilgrims from all over the country.
Near the temple is the Papnashini River, believed to have the power to wash away the sins of the devotees.
The Assumption Church is one of the major Christian churches located in the heart of the city.
Shopping:Spices, tea, coffee and handicrafts can be purchased at Sultan Battery.
Tranquil – located 100 kms from the Calicut airport, this is a private coffee and vanilla plantation nestled amidst 400 acres of exquisite ecological beauty. With just eight rooms and luxury tree houses, it is a unique home stay experience. T
Herbal Nest is a home stay with three living areas.
Edakkal Hermitage located at Rock Valley Kolaggappara Estate has seven rooms in a cottage format. It also boasts of a tree house,
The other staying options at Sultan Battery are Chakkalakal Tourist Home, Dwarka Tourist Home and Isaacs Resort with executive rooms and suites.
Vythiri, located at a distance of 50 kms from Sultan Battery, is a unique hill station resort in the Wayanad district of Kerala. It is designed to give visitors a pollution-free, rejuvenating experience.
A drive of one and a half hour from Sultan Battery takes you to the Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary, where wildlife can be spotted ambling at a leisurely pace.
Nearby Sites:
Varambetta Mosque located 15 kms southeast of Kalpetta is this three hundred year old mosque, believed to be the oldest in the district of Wayanad
Recommended Circle:
Sultan Battery can be visited while travelling by road from Calicut to Mysore or from Calicut to the popular hill station of Ootacamund. It is also a weekend getaway from Bangalore, a drive of six hours.
Although Sultan Battery is often dismissed by many as a ‘one-street town’, we cannot deny the fact that it is full of history and offers some of the most diverse sights from the prehistoric caves to the temples and wildlife sanctuaries.
