Localbody at a glance

Sulthan Bathery Municipality

Basic Information

 * District: Wayanad

 * Taluk: Sulthan Bathery

 * Area: 101.50 sq. km (103.24 sq. km)

 * Number of Wards: 36

 * Formation: 2015 (formerly a Grama Panchayat)

 * Boundaries:

 * East: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states (Bandipur/Mudumalai Reserve Forests)

 * West: Poothadi and Muttil Panchayats

 * North: Pulpally and Poothadi Panchayats

 * South: Ambalavayal and Noolpuzha/Nenmeni Panchayats

Demographics (Based on 2011 Census)

 * Total Population: 42,173

     * Male: 20,683

     * Female: 21,490

 * Sex Ratio: 1,039 females per 1,000 males

 * Literacy Rate: 89.2%

 * Scheduled Caste (SC) Population: ~6.7%

 * Scheduled Tribe (ST) Population: ~17.5%

History & Etymology

 * Ancient Name: The area was formerly known as 'Ganapathivattam'.

 * Origin of Name: In the 18th century, the ruler of Mysore, Tipu Sultan, used the ancient Jain temple here to store his artillery and ammunition (Battalion/Battery) during his military campaign. Following this, the region came to be known as 'Sultan's Battery' or 'Sulthan Bathery'.

Major Attractions & Tourism Highlights

 * Edakkal Caves: World-renowned historical site located on Ambukuthi Hill, featuring rare petroglyphs and rock carvings dating back to the Neolithic age.

 * Sulthan Bathery Jain Temple: An ancient stone temple constructed in the 13th-century Vijayanagara architectural style.

 * Wayanad Heritage Museum (Ambalavayal): Houses a rare collection of artifacts reflecting Wayanad's ancient tribal culture and local history.

 * Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary / Bandipur Corridor: Popular destination known for its natural scenic beauty and wildlife sightings.

Economy

 * Agriculture: Coffee, black pepper, tea, cardamom, cloves, and paddy.

 * Tourism & Commerce: Being a border town, it functions as a major commercial trade hub      alongside tourism-oriented service industries.