Overview
The prehistoric Edakkal Caves, known for their exquisite rock and wall carvings, are two naturally occurring alcoves in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The caves are massively long and wide, measuring 96 and 22 feet, respectively, and are located 1200 meters above sea level. Due to its precarious location, one must trek for one and a half hours (around 4000 ft) to reach the cave entrance, followed by another 45 minutes to reach the cave mouth. The Edakkal caves are historically and archaeologically significant because they contain carvings from the Neolithic era, also known as the Late Stone Age. The stonework inside the cave is thought to be as old as 5000 BC to 1000 BC.
Edikkal, which means ‘a stone in between’, aptly describes its formation. A smaller rock has been wedged between two larger ones, forming a natural cave. In the truest sense, it is not a cave, but rather a natural fissure in the rock with a heavy boulder on top. The cave therefore has two levels. The first level of the cave can be accessed via a small opening.
Across from this is a passage that leads to another opening, this one in the roof. Here you enter the second level, which is much larger in size. To explore the caves, visitors must navigate uneven boulders, an iron ladder, and fungus-covered rock walls. The walls are covered with carvings of animals and humans, some of which are hazy but mostly clear. The clarity of the carvings is even more surprising given how long they have survived.
Carvings in the Cave
There are three types of petroglyphs or rock carvings in the cave, with the oldest estimated to be 8000 years old. This suggests that the cave has been inhabited at various times throughout history. The carvings feature unusually shaped figures (animal, human, or otherwise), squares, stars, crosses, wheels, triangles, spirals, tridents, and plant and pot motifs.
Human figures have masked faces and raised hair. There are also ancient inscriptions, some of which appear to be in Tamil Brahmi script. Historians and archaeologists have recently speculated about a link to the Indus Valley civilization after discovering a carving of “a man with a jar cup,” one of the Indus Valley civilization’s most distinctive motifs (2300 BC to 1700 BC).
Edakkal Caves Resort
If you want to spend more time exploring Edakkal Caves, you might want to consider staying at a resort in the area. Nestled in the heart of Wayanad’s lush greenery, the various accommodation options are a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Edakkal Hermitage offers impeccable lodging facilities, including polished cottages, a cave restaurant, and an amphitheater. Vedanta Wake Up! is another excellent resort located near the Edakkal caves, offering both private and mixed dorm rooms, as well as a lounge and rooftop terrace.
Trekking
The verdant landscape of Wayanad, combined with the difficult paths up to the main destination, makes Edakkal Caves the ideal location for a short trekking adventure. The path here is concrete but can be quite steep, so take your time as you ascend. After about 30 minutes of trekking, you will arrive at the ticket counter, where you can purchase tickets for your next destination.
Stone stairways connect several smaller caves to the Edakkal Caves, and the region’s natural beauty is truly breathtaking. As you continue on your journey, the terrain becomes steeper, but proper arrangements and barricades are in place to ensure smooth movement. The midway can also be reached by DTPC-arranged jeeps.
Best Time To Visit Edakkal Caves
November – March is the best time to enjoy the pristine natural beauty and enigmatic petroglyphs of this destination.
Tips For Visiting Edakkal Caves
- Bring your own water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, and protection from the hot afternoon sun.
- Don’t litter the premises.
- Take care as you make your way to the caves.
Discovery of Edakkal Caves
In 1890, Fred Fawcett discovered the Edakkal Caves. He was on a hunting trip when he came across a Neolithic Celt-used stone axe in a coffee estate. Fred had a strong interest in pre-history and wanted to learn more. He crossed the thick forests of Ambukuthy Mala to find what turned out to be a New Stone Age dwelling that had been inhabited several times throughout human history. There are at least three different types of rock carvings here, the oldest of which dates back 8,000 years.
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How To Reach Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are located in Wayanad district. From Kalpetta, take the Pinangode road to the Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal highway, then turn right onto the Kolagappara-Ambalavayal road. From here, take a left, a right, and then the first left. The nearest railway station to Edakkal Caves is Nilambur Road Railway Station, which is 38 kilometers away.
