Have you ever wondered about entering the place where people carved their stories thousands of years ago? That is what visiting the Edakkal Caves seems to be. These ancient marvels are located in the hilly area of Wayanad, waiting to tell some stories of the past. As soon as you begin to travel in the direction of the Edakkal Caves Wayanad, you feel as though you are moving into a new world, one that is silent, rough and mysterious.
Explore these amazing caves through the Kerala tour package in case you like nature, history, or just want to know something out of the ordinary. Each of the steps brings you close to beautiful landscapes, fresh winds, and walls that have ancient symbols. When you have climbed to the top, you feel excited and attached to the place. This guide will reveal everything you need to know about these caves, so keep reading.
Edakkal Caves History
The Edakkal Caves have a history that is so ancient that one gets to feel like they are in a time machine. The caves are, however, not the caves in the normal sense of the word, but rather natural rock shelters where a large boulder was stuck between two larger rocks, forming a kind of roof. Even the name of Edakkal itself implies the meaning of being a stone in between. The most magical thing about this place is the old carvings which were carved on its walls. These Edakkal Cave paintings are thought to date back to more than 3,000 years ago, and some scholars would even say they date back to the Neolithic period.
The caves have human figures, animals, and certain tools, as well as strange symbols of which even historians are still baffled. These carvings depict the way people lived, what they believed in and how they expressed themselves long before the advent of language and kingdoms. When we visit this site, we get the impression that we are listening to the voices of ancient people who lived thousands of years before us.
Important Details About Edakkal Caves
You should know a few little things before you commence your trip to Edakkal Caves, which will make your journey comfortable and easy. These caves are located at an altitude of approximately 1,200 metres above sea level at Ambukuthi Hill, which implies that the weather is generally cooler, especially during the mornings. The access to the site is restricted to certain time intervals, and the procedure of entry is also properly organised. You will be required to walk or hike uphill and this makes it easier with good shoes and carrying water so as to make the process easier. The trail is scenic, safe and easy to follow, which is why it is recommended for beginners and families.
Edakkal Caves Location: Ambukuthi Hill, Nenmeni, Kerala.
Edakkal Caves Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Edakkal Caves Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹30 for children, and ₹20-₹ 40 camera fee (may vary)
Edakkal Caves Distance: 25 km from Kalpetta, 12 km from Sultan Bathery.
Distance from Wayanad Bus Stand: 25 km.
Elevation of the Hill: The Hill is about 1,200 metres above sea level.
Weather: Cold mornings, pleasant afternoons, and windy all day.
Ideal Visit Duration: 1.5- 2 hours.
Edakkal Caves Trek
A trek to the Edakkal Caves is one of the highlights of the visit. It begins at the parking lot and ascends up a mountainous road with trees surrounding it. It is not always easy or smooth, but it is possible by walking slowly and making short stops. You will listen to birds, enjoy an enjoyable breeze and will also have good scenery of the Wayanad hills.
Hiking is a kind of adventure as it feels like you are walking towards the past. At the top, all your sweat is worth it as you can view the beautiful scenery and the old Edakkal Cave paintings.
The average time taken on the trek: 45 minutes to 1 hour (one way).
Difficulty: Moderate
Steps: In the final part, there will be around 300-350 iron steps.
Most appropriate time to walk: In the early morning or late afternoon.
Best Time to Visit Edakkal Caves
It is also necessary to understand when the experience is at its best before you plan to visit it. The Edakkal Caves are better visited when it is cool, clear, and the walk is not heavier on the body, like on a hot day. The climate in the caves is also a significant factor since the caves are located on a hill, and therefore, the comfort of your trip will depend on the climate. The winter and the first months of the summer are normally favoured by travellers since the trail is dry, the scenery is gorgeous, and the journey is less hectic. The location will also be non-slippery, which is kid and family-friendly. The best time to visit Kerala also depends on what kind of experience you like.
October- May: Have good weather and visibility.
Monsoon (June to September): Not recommended because of slippery trails.
The most suitable time of the day: Morning hours.
Best for photography: 9 AM to 11 AM
How to Reach Edakkal Caves
It is not difficult to reach the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, and you can select any form of transportation that is convenient to you. The caves are present on Ambukuthi hill, which is approximately 1 hour's distance from major towns in Wayanad. The last walk is a little hiking trail, although it is a pleasant walk since the environment is calm and green. The road is well paved and convenient, either by car or by bus or by bike. The majority of the travellers will want to take off early in the morning so that they can arrive early, before the crowd and be able to enjoy the silence of the hills.
By Road: Easily reachable from Kalpetta (25km), Sultan Bathery (12km) and Meppadi.
By Train: The closest train station is the Kozhikode Railway Station, which is approximately 97km.
By Air: The nearest airport is the Calicut International Airport, which is some 100km away.
Places To Visit Near Edakkal Caves
The region surrounding the Edakkal Caves is laden with serene hills, waterfalls and points of view that can enable your journey to become even more pleasant. You can visit tea plantations, wildlife areas and beautiful picnic areas which are very close to the caves. These are the best places in the vicinity which provide an ideal blend of nature, history and relaxation. These are some of the top spots to visit on your trip in order to have a fulfilling day in Wayanad.
1. Wayanad Heritage Museum
The Wayanad Heritage Museum is another place that is worth visiting, after visiting the Edakkal Caves. This museum possesses an enormous array of prehistoric devices, weapons, pottery, and ornaments that the inhabitants of this region used thousands of years ago. Going there, you realise the same age and life that relates so well to the history of the caves. It is silent, educational and suitably ideal for an individual who likes to know about the past.
Location: Ambalavayal, Wayanad.
Timings: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Cost: ₹30 for adults, ₹15 for children
Distance of Edakkal Caves: Approximately 3km.
2. Karapuzha Dam
Karapuzha Dam is a scenic and serene location that is perfect to have picnics and nature walks. The numerous water bodies with the green landscapes surrounding them makes it a good place to unwind after visiting the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad. You may go boating, walk peacefully beside the dam or just sit and enjoy the view. It is one of the most peaceful locations in Wayanad since there is a soft breeze and silence.
Location: Vazhavatta, Wayanad.
Timings: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Cost: No fee; the prices of boating are different.
Distance of Edakkal Caves: Around 12 km.
3. The Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary
Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is the ideal tourist attraction site where the visitor wants to appreciate nature and observe the wildlife at the same time. You may take a jeep safari to see the elephants, deer, bison and various kinds of birds. The woods are thick and serene, and offer a refreshing change after the cave trek. This sanctuary will surely impress you in case you are fond of nature or photography.
Location: Muthanga, Wayanad
Timings: 7:00 AM-10:00 AM & 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Price: Safari begins at about ₹300- ₹500 per head.
Length of Edakkal Caves: Approximately 20 km.
Things to Do at Edakkal Caves
The trip to Edakkal Caves is not only a sightseeing of old rocks but also combined with hiking, history, nature and adventure. Be it adventure that you are seeking, or you just need to have some peaceful moments in nature, you will find something here. These are the best activities that you can experience when you pay a visit to this historical wonder in Wayanad.
1. Explore The Ancient Edakkal Cave Paintings
The rock carvings are considered to be one of the largest attractions of the Edakkal Caves. These carvings have both figures of human beings, animals and symbols thousands of years old. The deeper you move into the cave, you will get the feeling that there is some mystery therein, almost like you are solving some kind of messages that people left behind in their ancient times. This is not only an educational experience but an exciting one, especially when one loves history, which makes it one of the best things to do in Kerala.
Highlights:
Believed to be 3,000+ years old
Flash photography can be limited
2. Take The Scenic Trek to the Caves
The hike to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad is one of the finest experiences in the trip. The path is scenic and is enclosed with plants, and offers you an opportunity to enjoy nature in its purest form. Rock steps, slopes, and narrow pathways are involved in the climb and make the experience fun and adventurous. Although the walk is of medium intensity, children and beginners can equally enjoy it with a bit of patience. The effort is well rewarded by the cool breeze and the views at the top.
Highlights:
The trek length is around 1.5 km
The length of time is around 45 minutes- 1 hour, depending on the pace.
3. Witness Stunning Hilltop Vistas
The views in the area around the caves will capture your heart in case you are a lover of photography or just looking at beautiful scenery. The view from the top of the Ambukuthi hill offers views of the rolling hills, thick forests and mist hovering between the mountains. It is a particular magic that is witnessed in the early mornings and late afternoons. It is a serene spot to sit, relax, breathe new air, and have a feel of the quietness of nature. This place is referred to by many visitors as one of the finest points of view in Wayanad.
Highlights:
Observatory at the top of the entrance to the cave.
The best time for taking photos is 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Travel Tips to Edakkal Caves
It is always good to follow tips while visiting a new place for a smooth and hassle-free trip.
Visit early in the morning, when there are few people around, and to avoid the heat in the afternoon (particularly during summer).
Wear comfortable shoes as there are slopes, rocks and iron stairs.
Always bring water since it can be tedious to walk up a hill.
Do not carry heavy bags since they make hiking up the steps difficult.
Before going, check the timings of the cave, as it cannot be visited at any time of the day.
Prepare to walk, as cars cannot go beyond a particular distance.
Conclusion
The Edakkal Caves are like a museum that one can walk into, where nature and history go hand in hand. When you are climbing the hill, sinking in the fresh air and tracing the ancient path, you realise that you are even closer to the past of Wayanad. When you get inside the caves and observe the carvings that have been done thousands of years ago, you realise how powerful stories can be, particularly when they are carved on stone.
The Edakkal Caves at Wayanad can provide an invaluable experience in case you like trekking, history, photography or are simply seeking a peaceful escape, making it one of the best tourist places to visit in Kerala. The ride is not hard, the mountain is worth the hike, and the experience remains with you long enough.
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