Edakkal Caves is located at Ambukuthi Hill in between Sulthan Batheri and Ambalavayal, Wayanad district, Kerala. The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feetlong by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet.A travel tour to Kerala, showcases a vast variety of architectural and natural marvels at the disposal of a seeking out traveler who needs to be informed about attractions like the Edakkal cave treasure. A visit to Tourism in Kerala would portray that the Edakkal caves or a planned out travel tour to these caves would reveal them to be the oldest surviving pictographic gallery of its kind in the world. This truly magnificent structure is a storehouse of pre-historic art forms. These etchings and carvings on the walls of the caves are truly fascinating as they date back to almost 5000 years. This attracts historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves have been the cradle of human civilization at different stages in history.Visit Edakkal Caves to look at exceptional rock art depicting human and animal figure carvings by Neolithic and later civilizations. The caves can be reached through trekking trails within the forested area starting at Edakkal and the best time to visit the caves is during morning hours.The word Edakkal refers to a situation of keeping a stone in between two other rocks, they would reflect the strange position of one large stone jutting out of two rocks and in a way getting their support in a manner that it works as a natural shelter and as a place for the artistic expression of the local inhabitants. Down town Ambalavayal has a heritage museum, first of its kind in the state. It has a rare collection of instruments and curios shedding light to life, centuries back.The wall paintings and the sculptures in this cave are beautiful. These Caves are natural rock cut-out formations, formed by a large split in a huge rock roofed over by other large rocks, all fixed in position through natural processes. Archaeologists say the place was one of the earliest centres of human habitation.In 1910, an amateur archeologist uncovered the caves. Ancient stone writings, cave drawings and wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head dresses, forms and symbols are found inside.
Location info:
Address:Ambalavayal, Wayanad district, Kerala, India
District: Wayanad District
Nearest City: Kalpetta, Meppadi, Muttil, Meenangadi and Sultan Battery.
Best time to visit: At any time, But visit in Morning session.
Climate/Weather:
Almost its a cool place, So Temparature in Summer: 37 (Max) & 21 (Min) Degrees Celsius and in Winter: 29(Max) & 10 (Min) Degrees Celsius.
History:
The name Ambukuthimala is ascribed to the local legend which has it that the caves were formed by arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Sri Rama, legendary hero of the Ramayana.Even today there are many who believe that Lord Rama killed Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the narrow fissure at the southern end of Edakkal cave.A local legend associates Kutti Chatan (the little devil of Malabar) with the goddess Mudiampilli, and until recently local people undertook an annual pilgrimage to the peak of the hill to perform a puja (ritual offering) in her honour.
Interesting things to do:
This is one of the most Attractive visiting place in kerala, Watch the wall paintings and the sculptures in this cave, anf figures painted by ancient people.
Interesting things to Visit:
Sulthan Bathery:The place is associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and specially the Jain temple where you’ll see some great carvings on stone.Chethalayam Falls:It is a small waterfall of Wayanad. The place is specially favoured by the tourists for bird watching.Muniyaras:The excavations at the base of the Ambukuthi hills have uncovered ancient burial vaults called Muniyaras. The stone age tools and pottery have also been found here.Jain Temple:The Jain Temple of Sulthan Bathery built in the 13th century has withstood the tests of time – having served as a place of worship for Jains, Hindus and later used as an ammunition store (battery) by Tipu Sulthan’s army. This place of historic importance is one of the prominent tourist attractions here.Ganapathi Temple:The eight century old Ganapathi Temple is a famous place of Hindu worship in Sulthan Bathery. This ancient temple, located in the heart of the town, was the very reason why Sulthan Bathery was earlier referred as Ganapativattom.Mariyamman Temple:The Mariyamman Temple is the focal point of tribal population in the area; their lives revolving around the temple and its rituals. The temple, believed to have been gifted by Pazhassi Raja to the tribals as a gesture of thanksgiving for helping him fight the British Empire.Kanthapara Falls:
About 25 km north-east of Kalpetta is Padinjarathara Dam. This dam is 2nd largest in Asia and is attractive with serene environment engulfing it. Padinjarathara is surrounded by mist capped mountains and wildlife sanctuary. Picturesque ambience, beautiful location and divine.Pookot Lake:The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh-water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes.
Mobile range info:
How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Kozhikode Railway Station
Nearest Airport:Karipur international airport at Kozhikode
Road Transport:Despite the availability of all the transport facilities, you’ll still have to trek for about 1 km to reach to Edakkal Caves. .It is just 10-12 kilometers away from Sulthan bathery and 25 km from Kalpetta.The Edakkal Caves can be accessed easily from anywhere in Kerala and Wayanad as it is well connected by a wide network of roads.
Nearest Visiting places:
Meenmutty Water Falls:Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.It is Kerala”s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting.Soochipara Falls:The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.Sentinel rocks falls:Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery.Seetha Lava Kusha Temple:Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths.Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary:is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, south India. It is on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery. Wild animals such as bison, elephant, deer and tiger has been spotted. There are also quite a few wild birds in the sanctuary.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. It is spread over 344 km² and is about 16 km east of Sultan Battery.Lakkidi:The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.Chain Tree:Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesmanPazhassi Tourist Resort:Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourist are available here.Kuruva Island:The Kuruva island, 950 acre3s of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited.Banasura Sagar Dam:Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979.The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project.Garudapara:Garudapara is a huge rock (about 30ft high) on the edge of the hill there. We carefully climbed the rock and took a ½ hr snooze on top of it, though it was a bit irritating with the noon sun directly hitting on our faces, but the cool winds blowing across region saved the day.Thirunelli Temple:Thirunelli Temple is known as the “Kashi of South”. Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The ‘Koothambalam’ here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls.Papanashini:Papanashini meaning “Washing of sins” is a river in Kerala. Papanashini has a story of its origin. Lord Brahma was making Vishnu’s idol and at the same time Garuda with a pot of nectar called Amrit Kumbha reached the installation place. When Garuda was completing his circling, one drop of Amrita fell into the stream, and hence the stream obtained the power of purification. After this incident, the stream was referred as Papanashini.Mananthavady Park :Mananthavady Park is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha. The park is also known for its bat colony. The attempts by the authorities to get rid of the bats lead to protests by environmental activists.Valliyoorkkavu :This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communitiesTholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary :Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals.Phantom Rock:Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala – Hotel Wynad RegencyLocated close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock; named so because of it’s skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities.
Nearest Petrol Pump:
Petrol Pump Kalpetta – Mananthavadi Road Kerala.Petrol Pump SH 34, Kerala.Thamarashery Petrol Pump NH212, Thamarrassary Kerala.Junction Petrol Pump Areekode Thamarashery Road Kerala.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:
Hotel Regency Sultan Bathery, Kerala.Herbal Nest Sultan Bathery, Kerala Tel:04936 220385.Hotel Mintflower Bangalore-Calicut High Way Sultan Bathery, Kerala.Nair Tea Stall Nambiyarkunnu Short Cut Road Ambalamoola Town Tamil Nadu.Edakkal Hermitage Rock Valley, Kolaggappara Estate Wayanad, Kerala Tel:04936 221860.Hiliya Resort Kenichira Post Office Near Sultan Bathery Wayanad, Kerala Tel:04936 211575.Issac’s Hotel Regency Opposite Aiswarya Theatre Sulthan Bathery Wayanad, Kerala Tel: 04936 220512.
Things to carry:
Tips & Suggestions:
Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Pothuckal police station Pothuckal, Chungathara Kerala.Chevayur Police Station A. R. Camp Road Vellimadukunnu, Calicut Kerala 673012.Nadakkavu Police Station NH 17, Calicut Kerala.
Nearest Hospital:Vinayaka Hospital Sultan Bathery, Kerala 04936 220102.Assumption Hospital Sultan Bathery, Kerala.Govt Taluk Hospital Police Station Road Sultan Bathery, Kerala.Karuna Hospital Kalpetta – Mananthavadi Road Panamaram, Kerala.Homoeo Hospital Kalpetta – Mananthavady Rd Kalpetta, Kerala State.
