EDAKKAL CAVES

Travel back in time to the Stone Age with a visit to Edakkal Caves that are located on the Ambukuthi Hills. Edakkal literally translates to ‘a stone in between’ and this cave and showcases a natural masterpiece and it is one of the famous places to visit in Wayanad in 1 day.

The Edakkal Caves consist of two natural caves, situated 25 kilometres away from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district in Kerala. They are situated at an elevation of roughly 1200 metres above sea level on Ambukuthi Mala. These caves are the only place in India where you can see stone carvings. You can find pictures and inscriptions within the caves that testify to the existence of prehistoric human settlements in the area. These include shaped figures, pot-shaped objects, and various animal and human figures. You can also see Brahmi and Tamil Script inside the caves. Many Kerela tours include a visit to the Edakkal Caves, offering a unique glimpse into the region's ancient history.

The origins of the amazing Edakkal cave paintings remain a mystery, despite their remarkable magnitude and complexity. They have inspired wonder and amazement in both tourists and historians since their discovery in 1895. To reach the caves, you need to hike up the Ambukuthi Hill. Climbing up the hill through coffee plantations takes about 45 minutes and offers a rewarding and memorable adventure. The hike, the drive to the caves, and the views of the surrounding area from the peak make the trip to the caves wholesome. 

How To Reach

1. By bus: To reach Edakkal Caves from Wayanad, catch a bus from the Kalpetta bus station for Sultan Bathery. Get off at the Kolagappara Junction and take the bus heading towards the nearest bus stop to the Edakkal Caves. Once you arrive at the bus stop, you can either walk or take a rickshaw to reach the starting point of the Edakkal trek. 

2. By car/cab: You can hire a cab or choose to drive to the Edakkal Caves. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the caves from Wayanad and the distance is around 17 kilometres.

Best Time To Visit

1. Best time of the day: Consider visiting the Edakkal Caves early morning to skip the large crowds that arrive towards the afternoon. 

2. Best time of the week: Avoid visiting the caves at the weekend as it attracts many tourists. If you want a serene experience, plan your trip on the weekdays. 

3. Best time of the year: The best time to visit the caves is from October to May. During these months the weather is sunny and dry with clear skies, ideal for exploring the place.

Other Essential Information

• Wear comfortable shoes to easily walk on the uneven terrain of this place. 
• It is strictly prohibited to smoke, drink and litter in this place. 
• Carry sunscreen, water and hats to protect yourself from the sun and to stay hydrated. 
• Plan your visit during the dry season as heavy rainfall can make this area a bit dangerous. 
• Respect the heritage site and avoid damaging or touching the rock carvings.