Edakkal Caves

Structure of Edakkal caves

Carvings in the Cave

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves - Historical Site with Carvings Dating Back to 5000 BC

Edakkal Caves

Name: Edakkal Caves
Rating: 4.2

Wayanad Kerala

#1 Among Things To Do in Wayanad

4.2 /5 (70 Votes)

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Label : Great For Family Outing

Tags : Cave

Timings : 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Time Required : 2- 3 hours

Entry Fee : Indians: INR 20, Foreigners: INR 40, Still camera: INR 25, Cam recorders: INR 100 and INR 70 for a jeep of 8 people.

Edakkal Caves, Wayanad Overview

Famous for their rock and wall carvings, the Edakkal Caves are two naturally occurring alcoves in Wayanad district, Kerala, measuring about 96 by 22 feet and located 1,200 meters above sea level. Reaching the caves takes about a 1.5-hour trek (to around 4,000 ft) to the entrance, and another 45 minutes to reach the mouth of the cave. The caves are of historical and archaeological significance, with carvings dating back to the Neolithic era (the late Stone Age); the stonework inside is estimated to be between 5000 BC and 1000 BC.

Edikkal literally means 'a stone in between' and aptly describes its formation. A smaller rock has wedged in between 2 bigger ones to form a natural cave. In the truest sense of the word, it is not a cave but a natural fissure in the rock which has a heavy boulder on top. The cave thus has 2 levels. The first level of the cave can be explored through a small opening. Just opposite this is a passage that leads to another opening, this time in the roof. Here you come to the second level which is much bigger in size. To explore the caves visitors have to pass uneven boulders, an iron ladder and rock walls covered with fungi. The walls are covered with carvings of animal and human figures, some of which are hazy but are clear for the most part. The clarity of the carvings is even more surprising given the duration they have survived.

Carvings in the Cave

There is three type of petroglyphs or rock carvings in the cave with oldest believed to be 8000 years old. This suggests inhabitation of the cave at several points in history. The carvings include weird shaped figures (animal, human or otherwise), squares, stars, crosses, wheels, triangles, spirals, tridents, plant and pot motifs. The human figures have masked faces and raised hair. There are ancient inscriptions as well with some pointing to a Tamil Brahmi script. Recently, historians and archaeologist have speculated that there is a link to the Indus Valley civilisation as they have found a carving of "a man with a jar cup", one of the most distinct motifs of the Indus Valley civilisation (2300 BC to 1700 BC).

Edakkal Caves Resort

If you wish to explore Edakkal Caves a bit more closely, you might want to consider the option of booking a resort in the region. Nestled in the bosom of Wayanad's lush greenery, the various accommodation options here are certainly a welcome change from the din of the city. You can rent impeccable lodging facilities at Edakkal Hermitage which has polished cottages, a cave restaurant and an amphitheatre. Vedanta Wake Up! is another great resort that lies in the close proximity of the Edakkal caves where private rooms and mixed dorms both are available in addition to a lounge and rooftop terrace.

Trekking

The verdant landscape of Wayanad coupled with the daunting pathways up to the main destination makes Edakkal caves the perfect destination for a little trekking adventure. The trek here is concrete but can be quite steep, so make sure that you take your time as you make your way up. After trekking for about 30 minutes, you will reach the ticket counter from where you need to buy the tickets for your onward journey. Stone stairways that pass through several smaller caves have been built up to the Edakkal Caves, and the surrounding natural beauty of the region is mesmerising indeed. As you continue on your way, the trek gets steeper, but proper arrangements and barricades are in place to ensure smooth movement. One can also reach the midway by jeeps arranged by DTPC.

Best Time To Visit Edakkal Caves

November - March is the best time to enjoy the pristine natural beauty and enigmatic petroglyphs of this destination.

Tips For Visiting Edakkal Caves

1. Carry your own water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen and protection against the oppressive afternoon sun.
2. Do not litter the premises
3. Be careful as you trek your way to the caves.

Discovery of Edakkal Caves

Fred Fawcett in 1890 discovered Edakkal Caves. He was on a hunting trip when he came across a stone axe in a coffee estate that was used by a Neolithic Celt. Fred had a deep-rooted interest in pre-History and wanted to explore more. He crossed the thick forests of Ambukuthy Mala to discover what later proved to be a dwelling dating back to the New Stone Age which was inhabited several times in the course of human history. The rock carvings here are of at least three distinct types, with the oldest one dating back to a period as long as 8,000 years ago.

How To Reach Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves are located in the Wayanad district. From Kalpetta take the Pinangode road on the Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal highway and then turn right onto the Kolagappara-Ambalavayal road. From here first take a left, a right and then the first left. The nearest railway station to edakkal caves is Nilambur Road Railway Station which is 38 km away from Edakkal Caves.