Edakkal Caves

Overview

Visiting Edakkal Caves is like visiting our forgotten past. These caves have provided great historians and scholars with a lot of important information regarding the lives and habits of our ancestors. The caves are known to be formed by natural rock formations. It was formed by a large split in a huge rock. The Edakkal Caves have extremely beautiful carvings inside that will take you back to ancient times. To reach these beautiful caves you have to do the trekking up to Ambukuthi Hills. The aroma of Flowery, nutty & smoky coffee stays with you the entire way. It is truly a surreal experience as we step into the realms of history.

History of Edakkal Caves

Few Kilometers away from Kalpetta lays two caves that exhibit natures’ skill and architecture. These Edakkal caves are located 1,200 m above the sea level. They are located on Ambukutty Mala. The name of the caves ‘Edakkal’ means ‘stone-between’. Here you can see a cave formed by a heavy boulder straddling in the rock. So many legends are involved in the construction of Edakkal Caves. Some historians believed that the caves were formed by two sons of Lord Rama, lava and kasha. The local people visit this place to tribute Goddess the Goddess Mudiampilly.

The beautiful caves were uncovered by Fred Fawcett, he was the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890. He identified the place being a habitat of the Neolothic people. He also discovered the rock-shelter, situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. 

Edakkal Caves are famous for its cave paintings which are considered to be of 6000 BC. To set foot on the caves, one has to trek through the Ambukutty Mala. It will take around 45 minutes to climb the hill and you will never get disappointed with the glory and magnificence of this renown.

There are two chambers inside the caves. The lower chamber or the bottom chamber is 18 ft long, 12 ft wide and 10 ft high and the upper chamber or the top chamber is 96 ft long, 22 ft wide and 18 ft high. You can notice carvings of human, animal figures and objects used by humans, on the walls of the caves. These carvings are the evidence of a highly civilized society who lived here in the pre-historic age. Edakkal caves have drawn great attention of archaeologists historians and scholars worldwide.

Edakkal caves are the only known place in India with historical Stone Age carvings. You can see here carvings belonging to Neolithic and Mesolithic age. The human figures of these caves raised hair and some have masks. They all have archaeological significance and are interesting too. Along with these pictorial carvings, you can also watch Tamil and Brahmi Scripts on the walls in Edakkal caves.

Caves have some links with Indus Valley Civilization too. Around 400 signs were discovered recently, which had shown its relationship with the ancient civilization.

Why Are the Edakkal Caves Famous?

Edakkal Caves are very famous for:-

The Pictorial Paintings

The Caves are very famous for their paintings of human, animals and symbols. These paintings are believed to be sculpted in 6000 BC. These historic drawings are the symbol of culture and lives of those who lived in the caves years ago.

The Stone Age Carvings

Inside the Caves, you can see a lot of Stone Age carvings on the walls. The work leaves you in awestruck and the carvings are believed to be from the ancient Neolithic and Mesolithic ages. 

The Stunning Petroglyphs

Edakkal Caves some portions are petroglyphs, these are rifts in the rocks or clefts. The petroglyphs have excellent formations. There are three types of petroglyphs to see at the Edakkal Caves and the oldest ones go back to 8000 years.  

The Great Trekking Spot

The trek through the Ambukuthi Hill to the Edakkal Caves is an excellent experience. You will pass through exciting and beautiful scenery and amazing terrain through the way. 

Places To Stay Near Edakkal Caves

• Edakkal Caves in Wayanad
• Hermitage Resort
• Hotel Pepper Grove (KTDC)
• The Hill District Club
• Le Villagio Holiday Apartments
• Pepper Trail
• Green Ample Resort
• Hotel Great Jubilee

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