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.

Similar Destinations

Places To Visit In Wayanad

Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination

View All

Things To Do In Wayanad

Your list of the best things to do, compiled on the basis of actual traveler experiences

View All

How to Reach Eddakal Caves in Wayanad

Read about the best & quickest routes to save time & money, as suggested by our travelers

Popular Packages

Unlimited choices. Trusted agents. Best prices. Happy memories.

View All

Fastest Growing Holiday Marketplace

650+

Verified Agents

22 Lac+

Happy Travellers

65+

Destinations

Easy, Secure & Reliable

Traveltriangle

Verified

Stringent

Quality Control

24/7

Support

Wayanad Packages Reviews

Read on to find out why our customers love us!

Kwhite's 6 days trip to Wayanad

I recently went for Kerala tour with help of iternary prepared by comfort destination. Overall I had a very good experience. Starting from your driver who was well behaved, and was always on time. The hotel rooms provided to us were clean and scenic worthy. All the destination covered were beautiful and amazing to watch. Thanks for the experience

Kwhite Mumbai

Maheshalhat's 4 days trip to Wayanad

They plan my kerala trip very smooth .thanks for all perfect arrangemments .

Maheshalhat Pune

Prafull's 4 days trip to Wayanad

A very great & carefully crafted itenary for our kerala trip. Special thanks to robin , who has meticulously planned all the details as per individual preference. We have enjoyyed a lot..

Prafull Shukla New delhi

Sumansaurabh's 4 days trip to Wayanad

Everything was well organised. We booked our trip from Exotic rails and they understood my requirement carefully to plan the itenery accordingly. We were skeptical about driver so the owner himself joined throughout the drive. He explained about the history and importance of different places. It was a great experience. Looking forward for more .

Sumansaurabh

Amit's 5 days trip to Wayanad

We had an amazing time in Kerala. Shijo, our cab driver was very kind and helpful. Thanks to travel triangle!

Amit Khandelwal Pune

Yogesh's 6 days trip to Wayanad

All went good. Guide(Mr Mukesh) is superb. He was pleasing and very cooperative. All went good. Guide(Mr Mukesh) is superb. He was pleasing and very cooperative.

Yogesh Swathi Chennai

Jayant's 5 days trip to Wayanad

Excellent service provided by Mr. Sahil. All the bookings were done as per our requirement and we had smooth travel experience. Excellent service provided by Mr. Sahil. All the bookings were done as per our requirement and we had smooth travel experience.

Jayant Kashyap Mumbai

B's 4 days trip to Wayanad

All things were nicely arranged. Driver services was good and all other things also good as well All things were nicely arranged. Driver services was good and all other things also good as well

B Sharad Chennai

Clerabathini's 6 days trip to Wayanad

Had a wonderful experience in kerala with well organised trip and planned itinerary. Everything went well as per the plan shared by Mr.sahil who was coordinating with me on complete tour ..enjoyed the accommodations, food, and the mesmerizing climate. special thanks to mr.sahil Had a wonderful experience in kerala with well organised trip and planned itinerary. Everything went well as per the plan shared by Mr.sahil who was coordinating with me on complete tour ..enjoyed the accommodations, food, and the mesmerizing climate. special thanks to mr.sahil

Clerabathini Mumbai

Ranjithkumar's 4 days trip to Wayanad

Kerala Trip was very nicely organised and within the budget as well.

Ranjithkumar Chidurala Mumbai

Places to Visit in Kerala

How to Reach Kerala and cities

Top Honeymoon Destinations In India

Top International Honeymoon Destinations

Want best packages handpicked just for you?

Fill the form and get a callback from our holiday experts

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

Rated 4.20/5 ( based on 16792 reviews )