Edakkal Caves Wayanad (Timings, History, Entry Fee, Images & Information)

The enchanted Edakkal Caves are a significant archaeological site. Notable features include its enigmatic rock structure and historic engravings and sketches. These petroglyphs also represent some of the oldest instances of written human communication.

The word “a stone in between” is edakkal. And this cave-like rock shelter is formed by a massive boulder wedged between two bigger boulders. It is thought to have existed for more than 8,000 years.

The Edakkal Caves Wayanad entrance is reached after a strenuous hike up steep steps. Ancient wall sculptures depicting humans, animals, and other prehistoric figures can be seen inside.

A visit to Edakkal Caves is highly recommended due to its stunning surroundings. A healthy excursion is made up of the trek, the drive to the caves, and the views of the surrounding area from the summit.

Enjoy your stay to the utmost by going on a guided tour of the caves.

Where is Edakkal Caves in Wayanad?

Two natural caves called Edakkal Caves are located 25 kilometers from Wayanad. There are about 300 steps leading up to them from the Ambukutty Mala hills. Inside, the rock engravings provide a window into prehistoric human expression. And from the top, you get a scenic view of the surroundings.

History of Edakkal Caves

The legend of Edakkal Caves is buried in obscurity. According to tradition, Lord Rama’s sons Luv and Kush are credited with creating the caves. This small passage is claimed to have formed when their arrows split a big rock in half.

An estimated 6000 BCE is when the first engravings from the Edakkal Caves date back to the Neolithic era, also known as the Stone Age. The most recent engravings date back to roughly 1000 BCE.

The 19th century is how recently these carvings were found. During one of his hunting outings, Fred Fawcett, a police official from the former Malabar state, discovered these.

The carvings come in various shapes. Furthermore, the different forms imply that the caverns were occupied on multiple occasions. Numerous symbols remain to be interpreted. There are only 400 or so petroglyphs known to exist in the Edakkal Caves, some of which date back to the Indus Valley civilization.

Things to do at Edakkal Caves

1. Trekking to the caves – The Edakkal Caves entrance is reached after a about one-kilometer ascent uphill. You’ll pass a lot of eateries and stores along the route that provide regional natural goods. From the entrance, it takes a climb up over 300+ stairs to reach the caves. While some stairs are small and lead to dark passageways that eventually fall into the caves, others are large enough to allow you to take a break.

2. Investigating the cave paintings — After finishing the hike, you arrive in the Stone Age. A boulder that broke in two became the cave, a natural refuge constructed of rock. The cave’s roof is formed by another sizable boulder that is jammed in the center. The rock is engraved with many forms and symbols inside. There are also some areas where old scripts are visible written. The two chambers, the lower and upper, are the locations of all these paintings.

3. Taking in the views – You can take in the breathtaking views that the hilltop has to offer as you take a moment to gather your thoughts. With gray and brown mountains in the distance, you have a broad view of the countryside and tea gardens. Additionally, a telescope is located close to the caves to provide a clearer overview of the surrounding area.

Edakkal Caves Timings and Entry Fee

The Wayanad Edakkal Caves are open every day except Mondays and public holidays from 9 AM to 4 PM. It is open all year round. For your safety, it may be closed on monsoon and other days with a lot of rain.

The cost of admission to Edakkal Caves is ₹50 per individual. Parking and camera fees are not included. There’s also a jeep shuttle that runs from the parking lot to the ticket booth by the stairs. The price per person is ₹70.

•  50 per person for Indians
•  60 per person for Foreign Tourists
•  25 for Still Camera
•  100 for Video Camera
•  70 for Jeep Shuttle Service (for 8 people)

Best time to visit Edakkal Caves Wayanad

Winter is the ideal season to visit Wayanad’s Edakkal Caves, even though the caves are comfortable all year round. The ideal weather for hiking and cave exploration is during the winter, which lasts from November to February.

Time to explore Edakkal Caves

A visit to the caves should take two to three hours. Trekking to the top of the hill and exploring the petroglyphs and cave paintings at Edakkal Caves takes time. You also need to pause for the views at that point.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Edakkal Caves

• The trek should be avoided by elderly persons.
• Watch out for monkeys!
• Save your sunglasses and caps.
• Put on cozy walking shoes.
• During the hike, sip lots of water.
• In this area, plastic is not permitted.
• There is a deposit required, which is refundable, for plastic bottles.