The Wayanad district of Kerala is home to the naturally occurring alcoves known as the prehistoric Edakkal Caves, which are renowned for their exquisite rock and wall carvings. The caverns are located 1200 meters above sea level and have enormous dimensions of 96 feet by 22 feet, respectively. Due to its unstable location, one must hike for 1.5 hours (roughly 4,000 feet) to reach the cave’s entrance and an additional 45 minutes to reach the cave’s mouth. Because the Edakkal caves contain carvings from the Neolithic era, or the late Stone Age, they are significant historically and archaeologically. It is estimated that the interior stonework of the cave dates from between 5000 and 1000 BC.
Edikkal’s name, which translates to “a stone in between,” accurately characterizes how it formed. A natural cave was created by a smaller rock getting wedged between two larger ones. It is not a cave in the strictest sense of the word; rather, it is a naturally occurring cleft in the rock with a large, weighty boulder on top. So there are two levels to the cave. Through a small opening, one can explore the cave’s first level. There’s a passageway directly across from this that leads to another opening—this one in the roof. You have now reached the second level, which is significantly larger.
Visitors must navigate uneven boulders, an iron ladder, and fungus-covered rock walls in order to explore the caves. There are numerous carvings of humans and animals on the walls, most of which are clear but some of which are unclear. Considering how long the carvings have survived, their clarity is even more astounding.
The Cave’s Carvings
The cave contains three different kinds of petroglyphs, or rock carvings, the oldest of which is thought to be 8,000 years old. This implies that the cave has been inhabited at various historical periods. Strange shaped figures (human or animal) as well as squares, stars, crosses, wheels, triangles, spirals, tridents, and plant and pot motifs are among the carvings. The human figures’ hair is raised and their faces are covered. Additionally, there are old inscriptions, some of which indicate that they are written in Tamil Brahmi. The discovery of a carving depicting “a man with a jar cup,” one of the most recognizable motifs of the Indus Valley civilisation, has led historians and archaeologists to hypothesize that there may be a connection to that civilization (2300 BC to 1700 BC)
When is the best to visit Edakkal Caves?
The ideal time to take in this location’s breathtaking natural beauty and mysterious petroglyphs is between November and March.
Hiking
The stunning scenery of Wayanad combined with the strenuous hike to the main site makes Edakkal Caves an ideal location for a short trekking excursion. Although this is a concrete trek, it can be fairly steep, so be sure to take your time climbing. You will arrive at the ticket counter, where you must purchase tickets for your subsequent travel, after about thirty minutes of trekking.
The Edakkal Caves are reached by stone stairways that wind through a number of smaller caves. The area’s surrounding natural beauty is truly captivating. The hike becomes steeper as you go, but there are safeguards and barriers in place to make sure everything goes smoothly. The midway can also be reached by jeeps that DTPC arranges.
Edakkal Caves Resort:
You may want to think about staying at a resort in the area if you would like to investigate Edakkal Caves a little more thoroughly. Situated amidst the verdant surroundings of Wayanad, the diverse lodging choices available here provide a much-needed respite from the bustle of the metropolis. The Edakkal Hermitage offers immaculate lodging options for rent, including polished cottages, a cave restaurant, and an amphitheater. Another fantastic resort near the Edakkal caves is called Vedanta Wake Up! It offers both private rooms and mixed dorms, along with a lounge and rooftop terrace.
Directions to the Edakkal Caves
Edakkal Caves are situated in the district of Wayanad. Proceed from Kalpetta along the Kozhikode-Mysore-Kollegal highway by taking the Pinangode road, and subsequently make a right onto the Kolagappara-Ambalavayal road. From here, make a left first, a right, and then a left again. Nilambur Road Railway Station, located 38 km from Edakkal Caves, is the closest train station.
Visiting Hours: from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Entry fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 40 for foreigners, and INR 25 for still cameras Cam recorders cost INR 70 and INR 100 for an eight-person jeep. To know more about historical places and temples visit the official website of Liturgical Temples. The information’s provided in this website is well researched and get from the trusted sources.
