Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: A Nature Lover’s Paradise
A haven for wildlife photographers, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary boasts an array of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and birds. The best time to explore the sanctuary is early morning or late evening when wildlife is in full swing. The Muthanga and Tholpetty ranges are good spots, where one can find great chances to photograph animals in their natural settings. A telephoto lens will assist you in taking wildlife from a distance, and the soft lighting during golden hour is perfect for lovely photographs.
Edakkal Caves: Ancient Art and Scenic Views
For culture and history buffs, the Edakkal Caves are a wonderful destination. These caves are well known for housing ancient petroglyphs dating as far back as 6,000 years. The walk-up to the caves has excellent scenery of hills in the surroundings and hence becomes a stunning site for landscape photography. Once within the caves, you can click photos of the carvings which bring the mystic and historic feel into your work portfolio.
Pookode Lake: Serenity and Reflection
Pookode Lake is a quiet place, ideal for shooting serene landscapes. It is approximately 15 km from Sulthan Bathery and lies in dense forest cover, thus making it a quiet place for photography. The early morning brings mist over the lake, creating an otherworldly feel to your images. The calm water offers splendid reflection shots of trees and hills surrounding the lake, and the local birdlife presents other subjects for wildlife photographers.
Soochipara Waterfalls: A Demonstration of Nature's Strength
The Soochipara Waterfalls, or Sentinel Rock Waterfall, is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that is approximately 23 km from Sulthan Bathery. The waterfalls provide ample scope for action photography, particularly with the water falling over the rocks. A tripod comes in handy to take long-exposure photographs that capture the flow of the water. The greenery around provides depth and color to the photographs, making it a must-visit for nature photographers.
Local Markets and Culture: Imaging Everyday Life
Sulthan Bathery's local temples and markets provide a glimpse of the daily life and culture of Wayanad. The colorful markets, with fresh fruits and vegetables, spice, and local handicrafts, are great places for candid photography. You can also photograph the traditional Kerala architecture and the spiritual environment in temples such as Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple. These places enable you to photograph local life and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Best Time for Photography
The ideal time to travel to Sulthan Bathery for photography is the dry season between October and March. The climate is pleasant, and the scenery is green and lush, providing perfect outdoor photography conditions. If you prefer rain, the monsoon months (June to September) are also beautiful, with waterfalls in full flow and mist over the hills.
Photography Tips
Golden Hour: The ideal lighting for landscape photography is early morning or late afternoon, which is referred to as the golden hour.
Wide-Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens is necessary to capture the expansive landscapes of Wayanad's hills and forests.
Telephoto Lens: For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens will assist you in getting clear, close-up shots from a distance.
Tripod: To take long exposure photographs at waterfalls or lakes, a tripod is necessary for stability.