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About Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves are two natural caves located in Ambukutty Mala in Kerala’s Wayanad district. It is 1200 m above sea level. The stone-age rock carvings in the Edakkal Caves are well-known. The Stone Age engravings similar to Edakkal are extremely rare in India. We must climb up Ambukutty hills to reach the Edakkal caves, which comprise the engravings. These caves, in particular, are remarkable for their pictorial writings, which date back to 6000 BC. It is ideal for history buffs because it transports you to the Stone Age and Middle Ages. Here you can see a cave formed by two heavy boulders and the name Edakkal translates as a ‘stone in between’. So, it got the name Edakkal Caves.
Edakkal Caves Trek
Basement Parking Lot
There is a checkpoint when you approach the roadway connecting to the caves. We should first pay for vehicle parking at the checkpoint to receive the token number allotted to the specific parking lots. There are several parking lots just a few meters apart. Depending on the parking allotment, we must walk 1.5 to 2 km on the road to reach the ticket counter. If required, you can take a photo of the Wayanad tourist maps at the base entrance to the trekking foothill to get a sense of all the nearby tourist attractions. Aside from the parking lot, there are a few shops selling food items, knitted shawls and caps, souvenirs, and other regional delicacies.
Via The Road Track
At the start of the Edakkal Caves trail, there’s a platform with a stone carving of Jesus as well as several other carvings. The engravings, depicting human shapes and symbolic imagery, bear a resemblance to those found within the caves. Then, you have to continue uphill on the road to reach the entrance to the Edakkal caves. This path is lined with small shops that sell food, drinks, wooden items, honey, chocolates, and other local specialties. There are a few resorts near the base of Edakkal Caves Hill where you can book your stay as well. Throughout the journey, the path is embraced by lush trees, creating a picturesque backdrop as you hike. Moreover, the walk will take longer than the steps we will have to climb later, so enjoy it as you go.
The ticket counter awaits you at the end of this trail. If there are any elders or people with knee problems in the group who do not want to climb up, they can stay at the ticket counter under the shade. A few benches have been set up for relaxation. The restrooms are also located near the ticket counter.
Step Path
The Edakkal caves are accessible via 400 steps. It includes both stone and metallic steps leading to the caves. You will start by climbing the broad stone steps. Then, halfway through the trek, you will have to climb through the huge rocks in between along the cave trail. There are also some natural streams of water here. Further, the trek concludes with metal steps leading to the Edakkal Caves entrance. You can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the area from the top. Then descend approximately 25 stairs to the stone age caves with rock-cut carvings. In total, it will take about 45 minutes to climb.
However, the return path consists of only metallic steps that will take you to the starting point. The exit path is a shorter path than the entry path, and if any elders are visiting, you can also ascend through the metallic steps with consent from the guards.
At the Cave
On the cave walls, you can see carvings of human and animal figures, scripts, and objects used by humans. These carvings serve as valuable evidence of an advanced prehistoric society. There are carvings from the Neolithic and Mesolithic periods here. This is nothing short of a paradise for archaeologists and historians. It reveals details about our forefathers’ lives and habits. Fred Fawcett discovered the caves in 1890 during the British period.
An instructive guide will explain the meanings and storylines of the carvings while also assisting with photography. He will not charge you anything; you can give him money. The route predominantly winds through caves and the surrounding forest, offering limited exposure to sunlight and facilitating a quick ascent. However, it would be preferable to trek in the morning with fewer people. If the area becomes crowded, climbing will be difficult because the steps are narrow as you ascend. Exploring the Edakkal Caves usually takes about 2 hours.
How To Reach Edakkal Caves
Travel Tips
- The Edakkal caves are open except on Monday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. There is an entry fee of 50 rupees per adult.
- In your vehicle, you can drive up to the lower section of the Ambukutty Hills. There is a large parking lot at the bottom with a small parking fee.
- There are also a few resorts along the trek’s route. Jeeps and a few other private vehicles are permitted until these resorts, and if you reserve a stay here, you can begin your trek halfway.
- At the cave’s base, there are several stalls where you can purchase local specialties at reasonable prices. At the start of the path, you can enjoy some freshly fried local specialty banana chips.
- The elderly and people with knee or heart problems should avoid this trek because climbing up can be tiring, especially if there is a crowd. It will take about 45 minutes to climb.
- You can also see tribal items at the Wayanad Heritage Museum, which is close to the Edakkal caves.
- If you like trekking, you can read our post on Chembra Peak for a mesmerizing trek in Wayanad.
Unravel the mysteries of the past in Wayanad’s Edakkal Caves, where stone-age rock carvings with their unique aesthetic writings and historical significance transport you to a bygone period. Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders for a memorable time.
