Just about half an hour's drive from Kalpetta (about 25 kilometers) in Kerala, you will find the beautiful Edakkal Caves. These caves are a shining example of what the result is when nature herself becomes the artist. Edakkal caves are a pair of two natural Caves in which you shall find prehistoric pictorial writings. Scientists believe that these writings are from the Neolithic era dated back to around 6000 BC. Evidence suggests that these caves have been inhabited in several different eras of history, some carvings are even dated back to 8000 years.
Recently, the archeologists have speculated that the Edakkal caves in Wayanad have even been linked with the Indus valley civilization. There are ancient inscriptions as well in the Tamil Brahmi script. Located at 1.2 kilometers above the sea level, the Edakkal Caves are wrapped in a thick veil of mystique and enchanting environment. The nature enthusiasts to come up here and unwrap each layer one by one. One of the folktales details that these caves were formed by arrows of Luv and Kush, the brave sons of Lord Rama and Devi Sita.
The rock carvings found in the Wayanad Edakkal Caves are complex and have been made with artistic precision. You will find intricately detailed rock carvings of a woman cuddling her son in her lap and hooded and masked figures of humans doing a ritual.
A jeep shuttle service will take you from the base of Ambukuthi Hills to the top of Edakkal caves.
Another alternative to reach the Edakkal Caves is a much more adventurous one. You can reach the top after completing a trek from the base of the Ambukuthi Hills. It's only a 45-minute trek and a pretty easy one also. So don't worry if you are not feeling in the mood of exercising. On your way up you will find that you are nostrils are being caressed with an enchanting smell of nearby coffee plantations. Nothing is more refreshing than a good nice trek.
You can even see carvings of Satan, Adam and Eve, Jesus, Mother Mary on your way up. These wonderful carvings you will see in a small Saint George Malankara Catholic Church, Kuppakkolly.
One of the pillars you will see a carving of the Hindu symbol of Om. A perfect example of India's secular nature. You will find small shops selling homemade chocolates, coffee and all kinds of Indian spices on your way up to the Edakkal Caves. Do try some homemade Kerala chocolate, we promise that you would not regret it.
One can reach to the caves by hiring a cab or taxi from the Kalpetta. The nearest railway station is the Nilambur railway station which is 38 km. This place is situated in the Wayanad district. It is easily accessible from nearby places.
Edakkal Caves Timings: 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M (Closed on Monday)
Edakkal Caves Entry Fees: INR 30 for adults, INR 20 for kids (below 12 years)
Edakkal Caves Camera Fees: INR 25 for still camera and INR 100 for Video camera
