Twenty five kilometres away from Kalpetta lays two caves which showcases nature’s skill and philosophy on architecture. These caves are located 1,200 m above the sea level on Ambukutty Mala. These caves have drawn great attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide. Edakkal caves are famous for its pictorial paintings (cave paintings), which are considered to be of 6000 B C. To reach the caves, one has to trek through the Ambukutty Mala. It will take around 45 minutes to climb the hill. You can sight carvings of human and animal figures and objects used by humans on the walls of the caves. These carvings give great evidence for a highly civilized society who lived in the pre-historic age.
The visiting time to Edakkal caves is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 kms from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukutty Hill to reach the caves. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill. You can reach the lower part of the Ambukutty hills via bus or car and from there you have to climb the hills. Until mid way of the hills, you can make use of the jeeps arranged by the DTPC. To enter the caves, you have to give an entry fee.
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The Edakkal Caves are the only place in India having carvings that can be dated back to the Stone Age era. It will be a good place to visit if you're keen on history. The cool temperature inside makes you want to stay longer. But this activity can involve some walking and climbing.
The name of Edakkal Caves literally means `a stone in between’. As the name indicates, it seems that the cave is formed by an enormous boulder straddling a massive fissure in a gigantic rock, creating a covered space.
Inside the cave, you can see two chambers. First level of the cave is entered via a small opening, opposite to which a passage is leading to another opening, this time in the roof that leads to the second level, much bigger in size than the first cave. The lower chamber is 18 ft long, 12 ft wide and 10 ft high and the upper chamber is 96 ft long, 22 ft wide and 18 ft high. Edakkal is the only known place in India with Stone Age carvings. You can sight carvings of human, animal figures and objects used by humans, on the walls of the caves. These carvings give great evidence for a highly civilized society who lived in the pre-historic age.
Located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level, the caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett, the then Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district in 1890, during his hunting trip to Wayanad. He discovered the Edakkal rock-shelter, situated on the western side of Edakkalmala. To his surprise, he identified the place as a habitat of Neolithic people.
Usually brimming with tourists, there is an uphill trek of a kilometre to reach the caves. On the way up there is a small chapel carved with stories from the Bible as well as a small stall selling coffee and snacks. The way inside the caves is past uneven rocks, an iron ladder and rock walls covered with moss and lichen. Though some carvings are slightly hazy, most are clear and animal and human figures can be made out with surprising clarity given the time and centuries they have survived. Three distinct sets of petro glyphs can be seen in the caves and some depictions are as old as 7000 years. A telescope is installed a few feet from the caves. It offers a panoramic view of the surrounding country.
Many legends are there behind the formation of Edakkal caves. One of the stories is that, these caves are said to be formed with the arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Sri Rama. Another one is associated with Kutti Chathan and the Goddess Mudiampilly. The local people used to have a pilgrimage trip to this place to honour the Goddess.
The visiting time to Edakkal caves is from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Edakkal Caves are situated about 16 kms from Sulthan Bathery and tourists have to trek up the Ambukutty Hill to reach the caves. The trek up the hill, peppered with coffee plantations, is worth an experience and it takes almost 45 minutes to climb the hill. You can reach the lower part of the Ambukutty hills via bus or car and from there you have to climb the hills. Until mid way of the hills, you can make use of the jeeps arranged by the DTPC. To enter the caves, you have to give an entry fee.
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