Eddakal Caves In Wayanad

Visit the pre-historic Edakkal Caves to experience the best of nature and history

Quick Information

See Map
Best time to visit
Jun - Jan
Ideal Duration
3-4 Days
Visa
Not Required
Starting from
Rs. 2,500
  • Romantic
  • Ideal for families
  • Sightseeing

About Eddakal Caves in Wayanad

The Edakkal Caves in Wayanad have carvings on them which date from the Neolithic era also known as the later parts of Stone Age. There are many legends associated with these caves. According to local tales, the caves were formed when Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Sri Rama fired arrows into the mountain. The Edakkal Caves are also associated with the Goddess Mudiampilly. Some locals of this area carry out a pilgrimage to this site in honor of the Goddess.

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 that has carvings dating from the Stone Age and the Mesolithic age. The 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 a trek through its passage. The view through the trek way 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 in 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.

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Spawansharma's 5 days trip to Wayanad

It was wonderful experience with traveltriangle the package i booked from 7c destination i was very happy with the services which they provided to me I truly recommend to take package for your upcoming trip from 7C destinations traveltriangle

Spawansharma New delhi

Awadhesh's 6 days trip to Wayanad

We had a good time except House Boat. Munnar Tea Village is very good their service was OK but Rooms and location is very nice same is with Varkala Elixir Resort is amazing and service is to next level. Only Not a good exp is house boat I forgot the vendor boat is not maintained and people are not interested in taking places.. just time pass. Food is also not good.

Awadhesh Dammani Pune

Sriharib's 7 days trip to Wayanad

most of the tour arranged was good except Dehsadhan hotel in Alleppy and Bolgatty KTDC resort hotel in Kochi. These two hotels were very disappointing driver support and other hotels was good experience

Sriharib Hyderabad

Deekshaagarwal's 6 days trip to Wayanad

Munnar hotel service and room are not good, behaviour of driver is very friendly, cooperative and good Enjoyed a lot especially in allepapy and munnar

Deekshaagarwal Ayodhya

Abhishekyadav's 4 days trip to Wayanad

This trip has surpassed all my expectations in terms of quality hotels, food and experiences. Trip was very effectively planned and we covered numerous places well in time. 10/10 recommended for friends and family. Munnar sight seeing, bharatnatyam show, munnar chocolate factory, beaches, kochi museum, allepey back waters, food

Abhishekyadav Delhi

Temples's 3 days trip to Wayanad

Everything is good. Driver is also fine but little bit fast driving apart from that everything is good from his side.

Temples Tamilnadu Kumbakonam

Anitha's 4 days trip to Wayanad

My Travel to Kerla was superb, Jaunt Holidays Make memories had arranged the plan. Our Agent Anil kaushik co-ordination made our trip hassle free.Thanks to Anil

Anitha Sripathy Bengaluru

Dhitesh's 5 days trip to Wayanad

"I recently booked a 5-night, 6-day package to Kerala through travel triangle and had an incredible experience! From the initial consultation to the final farewell, the team provided exceptional service, tailoring the itinerary to our preferences and budget. The package was well-curated, covering the best of Kerala's attractions, from the serene backwaters to the stunning hill stations. The accommodations were top-notch, with comfortable stays and delicious local cuisine. What impressed me most was the attention to detail and prompt communication throughout the journey. Travel triangle ensured a seamless experience, taking care of every aspect, including transportation, activities, and even surprise elements! I highly recommend travel triangle for their professionalism, expertise, and passion for creating unforgettable travel experiences. If you're planning a trip to Kerala or anywhere else, look no further! Rating: 5/5 stars." AND SPECIALLY THANKS TO OUR DRIVER / GUIDE SHIJO POULOSE FOR PROPERLY GUIDING US ALL OVER THE TRIP. HE WAS VERY NICE AND PATIENTLY HEARING US FOR THE TRIP ARRANGMENTS.

Dhitesh Rajkot

Nans's 3 days trip to Wayanad

The tour was excellent and well arranged with in short span. Thank you

Nans Nani Bangalore

Amruthkumar's 4 days trip to Wayanad

I am facing a problem with person who is dealing with me(alan John) about this travel. Because he tell the package of two persons is 24,000 but at the time of payment the page shows 24999. I initial paid 8600(600 for convience fee for two persons). The amount he told that conversation happened in the call unfortunately I am not recorded that call for reference. Because of that I pay extra amount of 1000 rupees. This is not the correct way because the person told in the call will be different and in the quotation it is different. I am not checked the quotation properly because of trust on that person. I see only the iternary of my journey in the quotation.

Amruthkumar Vankadari Bengaluru

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FAQ's of Wayanad

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

 

With most airlines imposing a 20 kg limit on baggage, one must make sure to not bring excess baggage. Sunscreen and mosquito repellant are a must have, apart from airy cotton apparels and comfortable footwear. Also make sure that you leave enough space in your bags for taking back home souvenirs from the state.

There are around 380 steep steps.

Fred Fawcett founded Edakkal Caves in 1896.

Edakkal caves belong to Neolithic and Mesolithic age.

Tourism in Wayanad

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