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

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Edakkal Caves is an enchanting site with archaeological importance. It’s known for its mystic rock formation and ancient drawings and engravings. And these petroglyphs are some of the earliest examples of human writing and expression.

Edakkal means “a stone in between.” And this cave-like rock shelter is formed by a massive boulder wedged between two bigger boulders. It’s believed to exist for over 8,000 years now.

To reach the entrance of Edakkal Caves Wayanad, you need to trek up and climb steep steps. Inside, you'll see ancient wall carvings, which depict animals, humans and other figures from prehistoric times.

Edakkal Caves is worth a visit also for the breathtaking scenery. The drive to the caves, the trekking, and the views of the countryside from the top make up for a wholesome trip.

Take a guided tour of the caves, and enjoy your visit to the fullest.

Where is Edakkal Caves in Wayanad?

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves 25 km away from Wayanad. They’re on Ambukutty Mala hills, and a series of around 300 stairs takes you to them. On the inside, you get a glimpse of the early human expression in the form of rock engravings. And from the top, you get a scenic view of the surroundings.

History of Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves' story is shrouded in mystery. As per the legends, the caves were formed because of Luv and Kush – sons of Lord Rama. It’s said that their arrows split a large rock into two, thus forming this narrow passage.

The earliest Edakkal Caves carvings are believed to be from the neolithic era (the Stone Age), as early as 6000 BCE. The latest carvings are from around 1000 BCE.

These carvings were discovered only recently, in the 19th century. Fred Fawcett, a police official of the erstwhile Malabar state, found these during one of his hunting trips.

The carvings are in different forms. And the varied styles suggest that the caves were inhabited several times. Many of the symbols are yet to be deciphered. Only about 400 Edakkal Caves petroglyphs have been identified so far, some of which link to the Indus Valley civilisation.

Image Gallery of Edakkal Caves Wayanad

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Things to do at Edakkal Caves

1. Trekking to the caves – It takes an uphill trek of about a km to reach the Edakkal Caves entrance. On the way, you’ll see many restaurants and shops selling local natural products. From the entrance, it takes a climb up over 300+ stairs to reach the caves. Some steps are wide enough to allow some rest, while others are narrow, leading you to dark passages that descend into the caves later.

2. Exploring the cave paintings – Once you complete the trek, you enter the Stone Age. The cave is a rock shelter made of a boulder that split into two. Another large rock is wedged in the middle forming the roof of the cave. Inside, you’ll find the rock etched with different symbols and shapes. In some parts, ancient scripts can also be seen inscribed. All these paintings are spread across two chambers: lower and upper.

3. Sipping in the views – As you pause to catch your breath, you can enjoy the gorgeous views that the hilltop offers. You get an expansive view of the tea estates and the countryside, with grey and brown mountains on the backdrop. A telescope is also present near the caves to offer clearer panoramic views of the surroundings.

Edakkal Caves Wayanad Trek Details

Edakkal Caves trek is a walk on a steep hill slope to the cave entrance. At the entrance, are the stairs that take you to the cave. You have 300-odd steps to climb, after which you descend into the Edakkal Caves painting chambers.

It takes about 30-45 minutes at a leisurely pace to complete the trek and walk up those steps.

• Trek starting point: Edakkal Caves parking area
• Trek length: about a km one-way (to the base of the steps)
• Trek difficulty: Moderate

Edakkal Caves Timings and Entry Fee

Wayanad Edakkal Caves are open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily except on Mondays and public holidays. It’s open throughout the year. It might be closed, though, during monsoons and other days of heavy rains, for your safety.

The ticket rate for Edakkal Caves is ₹50 per person. Camera fees and parking charges are extra. A jeep shuttle service is also available from the parking area to the ticket counter near the steps. It costs ₹70 per person.

Best time to visit Edakkal Caves Wayanad

Although the inside of the caves is comfortable throughout the year, the best time to go to Edakkal Caves in Wayanad is during winter. In winter, from November to February, the weather is the best for trekking and exploring the caves.

Time to explore Edakkal Caves

You should have 2-3 hours for a visit to the caves. It takes time to trek Edakkal Caves on the top of the hill and explore the cave paintings and petroglyphs. Then, you also must take a break for the views.

Things to keep in mind when visiting Edakkal Caves

• Elderly people should avoid the trek.
• Beware of monkeys
• Keep hats and sunglasses.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.
• Drink plenty of water during the trek.
• Plastic is banned in the region.
• Plastic bottles are allowed with a deposit fee (refundable).

How to reach Edakkal Caves Wayanad?

The distance between Edakkal Caves and Wayanad is 25 km. The nearest bus stand is in Wayanad itself. The railway station closest to the caves is in Kozhikode (98 km away), The airport nearest to Edakkal Caves is Calicut International Airport (106 km away).

And here’s how to reach the caves –

By bus – You’ll find many buses from Wayanad to take you to Edakkal Caves. The cave site falls on the way to Ambalavayal, and most buses drop near the parking area.

By taxi/cab – A cab or taxi is the most comfortable way to visit Edakkal Caves Wayanad. You can book a cab from the top car rental companies in Wayanad to go to the caves and other tourist places of Wayanad.

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Location Map for Edakkal Caves Wayanad