Name: Kodaikanal
Rating: 3.5

Devil, Kodaikanal Overview

A natural and unique heritage site also known as the Devil's Kitchen, the Guna Caves are situated on the outskirts of Kodaikanal, which can be reached from the Moir Point. This place was earlier not very famous and was visited only by hikers. However, it got famous after a Tamil movie with the name 'Guna' was shot here in 1992. This is a group of caverns located amidst the three huge boulders known as Pillar Rocks. In addition to being a great location for photography, the gorge also remains filled with thick clouds in the monsoon and winter seasons. To reach the hilltop, visitors need to walk 400 meters from the main entrance.

Like the other sites in and around Kodaikanal, this spot was also discovered by an English Officer known as B.S. Ward in 1821 CE. The caves are situated at an elevation of 2230 meters. Everything apart, the place is also very much accessible since it is located just 8.5 km away from Kodaikanal Bus Station and 1.5 km away from Pillar Rocks. Situated in the middle of the thick forest on top of a hill behind the Pillar Rocks, the Guna Caves remain one of the most visited places in Kodaikanal at present.

The path to the caves goes through an exquisite pine forest with the roots of the trees emerging onto the ground giving a unique setting to the place. In addition to the historical importance that the site possesses, the beauty of nature also makes it a famous tourist spot in Kodaikanal. The cave can be viewed from a distance by the visitors since its surroundings remain closed due to security reasons. The visitors get a sight of the beautiful valleys and the Pillar Rocks on a bright day.

About Guna Caves

The Tamil Movie named 'Guna' which starred the famous actor Kamal Haasan was shot inside the Devil's Kitchen Caves. Some areas inside the cave were believed to be damaged by the crew of the movie. However, it was after the release of the film that hundreds of tourists visited this place on a daily basis and it became a famous tourist spot of Kodaikanal. Therefore, after the movie was released, this place came to be known as the Guna Caves.

The caves were formed as a result of the unusual rock formations which started due to the soil erosion from cliffs. There are some dark chambers between the rocks as well where bats reside from where the name Devil's Kitchen is believed to have been derived. Some wild animals in addition to various bird species can be found here as well. It is also believed that the Pandavas stayed at this place for some time.

The place is a great place to click pictures and make memories, but due to the deep fall and the risks associated with it, many tourists are not sure about visiting the lace. However, all the deep narrow ravines which were present here have now been closed down, and the place has become far more protected now with the tourists being able to see the sections of the cave system from afar. From the main entrance of the caves, the tourists are required to walk for around 400 meters and 10 minutes to be able to reach the cave and hilltop which makes up for a great photography location.

Best Time To Visit Devil's Kitchen

The perfect time to pay a visit to the caves is from April to June followed by August to September when the weather is pleasant and at its best. It is advisable not to visit the place from October to March since during this time the weather remains wet and cold.

How To Reach Devil's Kitchen

The Guna Caves, also known as the Devil's Kitchen, is situated on the Pillar Rocks road which can be easily reached by road. You can also trek all the way down in case you wish to get a closer view at the caves. If you are visiting the Guna caves, it is advisable to start the trek to the cave following a downwards trail. A few trekking trails are present from the Pine Forests and Guna Caves.