Nestled in the Wayanad district of
Kerala, the Edakkal Caves are popular for its pre-historic rock engravings. Edakkal translates to ‘a stone in between’. This epic cave was formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. These caves were discovered in 1895 by Fred Fawcett, Superintendent of Police of Malabar District during his hunting trip.
Approximately 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, this place offers breathtaking vistas of lush
forests. If you’re planning a
holiday to Wayanad, we recommend you explore the Edakkal Caves.
1. Trek up the Ambukuthi Hill
It is located at a height of 1000 metres, on the Ambukuthi Hill. Take in the aroma of
coffee as you trek up the hill. Treat your eyes to the beautiful coffee plantations and jackfruit trees. It will take you from 45 minutes to an hour to climb this hill.
2. Admire the stone age carvings
The pictorial writings on these rocks date back to at least 6,000 BCE, belonging to Neolithic Age. From weird shaped figures and spirals to animal and human figures, you’ll find them all engraved on the rock surface. According to studies, some of these carvings also belong to the Indus Valley Civilization.
3. Capture shots of the breathtaking landscapes
Once you reach the top of the Ambukuthi Hill, you’ll be rewarded with splendid views of the nearby mountains. Take a break and savour the lush greenery before descending the hill. You’ll see people taking selfies or recording videos to share with their loved ones.
4. Catch a glimpse of the stories from the BibleOn the way up to the caves, you’ll come across a shrine. It contains the carvings of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden; Satan disguised as a snake convinces Eve to eat the fruit from the tree of good and evil.
5. Savour Omelette Pav and noodles
After the hectic but fun excursion, tantalise your palate with mouth-watering omelette Pav or noodles at the nearby stalls. Relish your snacks amidst an eerie silence of the forest with intermittent whizzes from jungle insects.
6. Buy souvenirs
You’ll find small shops selling home-made chocolates, coffee and spices like cardamom, cinnamon and many more. Bring back souvenirs of your choice for your family and friends.
Ticket price
The ticket price for adults is Rs. 30 and for children below 12 years is Rs.20.
Timings
It is open on all days from 8am to 4pm except Monday.
Best time to visit
October to February is the winter season with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C making it ideal for sightseeing.
How to reach here
By flight: Nearest Airport, Calicut International Airport
