Travel back to the Stone Age with a visit to Edakkal Caves, located on the Ambukuthi Hills. Edakkal translates to 'a stone in between', and this cave showcases a natural masterpiece.
It is associated with many myths and is considered one of Wayanad's most sacred places. Edakkal caves are not considered caves in a scientific sense, yet they remain a great piece of archaeological curiosity for tourists.
These caves are identified as a Neolithic settlement and present evidence of a pre-historic society of highly civilized people. These caves draw in several history buffs and archaeology students who wish to explore these mysterious caves.
Best time to visit Edakkal Caves
The summer heat shrivels up the green blanket, making Wayanad memorable. The monsoons in Kerala, coupled with heavy lightning and thunder, render it impossible to visit the place during June and July, thus eliminating the possibility of adventure activities and exploration. So that leaves the winter as the best time to pack your bags for a trip to Edakkal.
How to reach Edakkal Caves
To get to Edakkal, the closest railway station is Kozhikode/Calicut, approximately 87 km away. If traveling by air, the nearest airport is also in Calicut. It takes around 3 hours to reach Edakkal via the Calicut-Wayanad road. However, taking National Highway 766 only takes 30 minutes from Wayanad to the Edakkal Caves. Hiring a cab or renting a car to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
Travel tips
- The Edakkal Caves are a strict no-plastic area. Ensure you assist the authorities and collaborate to protect the environment from pollution.
- Since the paintings on the cave walls are historical sites, you should avoid touching them.
- You will be fined heavily if you bring snack packs into the caves. Any harm to the caves will be regarded as a severe offense.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Kuruva Dweep/Island
- Banasura Sagar Earth Dam
- Thirunelli Temple
- Thrissilery Siva Temple
- Soochipara Falls
- Kalpetta
- Koottamundu Glass Temple
- Pazhassi Raja Temple
Nearby Restaurants
- Jubilee Restaurant
- Blue Star Coffee Shop
- Anand Sweets and Bakers
- Madhur Restaurant
- Green Gates
- BA Group Veg and Non-Veg Restaurant
- Hill Top Restaurant
Intersting facts about Edakkal Caves
- The Edakkal Caves are equipped with surveillance cameras, granite stairs to make your climb easier, and lightning arresters, which add a touch of modernity to the caves. It's surprising how elegantly these modern amenities have been integrated into this ancient cave system.
- Two sets of caves are known as the Edakkal Caves, categorized as Minor Caves A-D and Major Caves A-C. The Major Caves comprise 75% of the cave system and contain most pictographs. These pictographs are similar to ones found in Neolithic settlements in India.
- The pictographs found in the caves are estimated to be around 6000 years old, indicating the possibility of a Neolithic settlement in the nearby regions. This discovery is unprecedented in South India.
- New research on the pictographs found in the Edakkal Caves reveals their uncanny resemblance to the pictographs of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- In 2011, the UDF Government started the construction of the Kolagappara to Edakkal concrete road. This project spans 8 kilometers and was estimated to cost 6 crores.
- There has been a lot of talk on social media about the Edakkal caves and the illegal trekking routes created by newly opened resorts as part of their tourism development project.
