History Of Edakkal Caves

Archeologists consider the Edakkal Caves as one of the earliest centers of human habitation. Inside the caves, one can find ancient stone scripts, human and animal figures with strange headdresses, pictorial paintings, and symbols like the swastikas. The carvings in the caves are estimated to be made between the periods of 5000 BC to 1000 BC. Similar carvings have been found only in a few places on earth. Stiriya in the European Alps and a few other sites in Africa have similar stone carvings and they are estimated to be seven thousand years old. The Edakkal Caves are also the only site in India which has carvings dating from the Stone Age and the Mesolithic age. History of Edakkal Caves shows that it also has some links with the Indus Valley Civilization.

The caves were discovered in the late 1800s by Fred Fawcett. He was the Superintendent of Police of the Malabar district during this period. A hunting trip led him to these caves. He was later shocked to find that the Edakkal Caves of Wayanad belong to the Neolithic people.

Attractions In Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves in Wayanad have preserved the history and heritage of the places since times immemorial. Some of the major attractions of the Caves are -

Archaic Paintings & Cravings

Paintings of figures and symbols, which date back to 6000 BC, are carved on the walls of the Edakkal Caves. These pictures narrate the tales of history and speak a lot about the origin of the caves. One can also find out carvings from the Stone Age which have been etched on the inner walls of the caves.

Remarkable Petroglyphs

While entering the Edakkal Caves, one can easily witness the stunning petroglyphs which are formed as clefts or rifts in the rocks. While there are three kinds of petroglyphs at the Caves, the oldest one is easily identified because it was formed some 8,000 years ago.

Ambukuthi Hill

The Ambukuthi Hill is not only a major sightseeing attraction but also offers trek through its passage. The view through the trekway is extremely beautiful and scenic. One gets to see the vast expanse of coffee plantations on the route. Make sure to stop by the tiny shack that serves delicious snacks for travelers.

Architecture of Edakkal Caves

The Edakkal Caves Wayanad has two chambers. The upper chamber is the largest. The human figures of these caves are very distinct. There are figures of a tribal queen, a king, child, animals, elephants, weaponry, along with Tamil and Brahmi Script. The carvings are very clear, which is one of the most mysterious things about the caves.  Somehow, the Edakkal Cave carvings have survived the test of time. Only a few carvings are hazy. Recently archaeologists have found 400 new signs and the carving of "a man with a jar cup" which helped them understand that the people residing here had links to the Indus Valley civilization. Archaeologists also concluded that the Harappa civilization was very much active in South India during this era.

Activities In Edakkal Caves

The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are one of the best trekking spots around. However, it might not be suitable for old people and people with health problems. You need to trek for a good hour and a half to enter the entrance of the cave. The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad are located 1,200 m above the sea level. The name ‘Edakkal’ literally means ‘a stone in between’. The caves are formed from a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in a huge rock. Some scientists believe that the Edakkal Caves are not even caves.