Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves :
Edakkal Caves are one of the finest formation of nature. This maginificant beauty is situated in 'the green paradise', Wayanad. Edakkal Caves are the two caves situated in Ambukuthy mala. The name Edakkal literally means 'a stone in between'. The pictorial writings in the caves indicates the presence of prehistoric civilisation in Edakkal. These are the only stone age carvings in South India. 'The carving of 'a man with a jar cup' is a clue relating to the Indus valley civilisation and these carvings speaks lots of information about bygone civilisation and life. These caves were discovered by F. Fawcett, then Superintendent of Police, in 1894.

Physical Appearance
There are two levels inside the cave. The lower chamber is about 18 feet long and 12 feet wide with a height of 10 feet. A 5 x 4 feet entrace is the entrance for this chamber.A passage opposite to this entrance leads to the upper chamber. The upper chamber is about 96 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 18 feet high. A fissure was created in the caves due to natural weathering.The carvings in the Edakkal caves depicts human figures, stars, wheels, bows, knives, various animals like dogs, foxes, deers etc

Epics Associated with Edakkal cave
People believe that Edakkal is related to Ramayana. There are two things to support this fact. One is about the Ambukuthy mala. The belief is that these caves are formed from the arrow fired by Lord Rama's sons Laca and Kusha. And the second one is about Surpanakha assassination. Many people believe that Edakkal is the place where Rama killed Ravana's sister Surpanakha. Surprisingly, the shape of the rocks present at there looks like a female body.

Location
The Edakkal caves are situated at on the western side of Ambukuthimala,of 1000 m. at a heightThis is at the south-west of Sultan Battery.Edakkal cave is 25 kms from Kalpetta ,12kms from Sultan Bathery and just 3 kms from Ambalavayal.To reach the caves, 1km trekking is needed from Edakkal.


Where to stay?
Cottage facilities-Wadi Kubbaniya(a tree house), Edakkal, Altamira, Lascaux, Chauvet and Kapova
Hotels in Sulthan Bathery-Edakkal Hermitage(3300-3800 tariff),Orchid Resort(2350-4250 tariff)
Hotel in Manathavady-Alaska(75-500 tariff)


How to Reach?
With all the transportation facilities too, the 1km trekking can't be avoided.
Air-The Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is the nearest airport .
Rail-Kozhikode is the nearest railway station,97 km away from the S.Bathery.
Bus - Plenty of local bus services are available for transportation .
Auto rickshaw- Auto rickshaws are cheaper ,used to reach the interior places .
Taxi - Local taxis are also available at cheap rates .
Car - You can hire a car from most of the townships .
Walk - Walking helps to see all the attractive places in between the journey.



Nearby Attractions
Sulthan Bathery-Related to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and specially the Jain temple with some great carvings on stone.
Chethalayam Falls-A small waterfall of Wayanad Known for bird watching.
Muniyaras-Mniyaras are the ancient burial vaults at Ambukuthy mala.
And Soojippara water falls, Mutanga Wildlife Sanctuary.

Contact Information
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Kalpetta
Wayana
Ph:++91-4936-202134



Other things to note;
1.3-4 hours time is required to climb till top of the hill and down.
2.Departmental jeeps are availablae for transpotation to the foot of the hill.
3.Timings ;9 am to 5 pm.
4.Best season to visit ; December to May.