Edakkal Caves: Most Visited Historic Site In Wayanad
Wayanad, in Kerala, is famous for its untamed forested and mountainous beauty. Although it is a hill station, the destination is much more admired for its historic as well as archaeological site, Edakkal caves. This ancient attraction pulls historians, archaeologists, and now even tourists because of its mysterious setting and carvings. Located at a distance of 25 km from Kalpetta and 3 km from Ambalavayal, the caves at 4000 feet are nestled in the Ambukutti hills.
The meaning of the name Edakkal is a stone in between'. As this name suggests, it is believed that a boulder incredibly was stuck in between two larger ones, which resulted in a cave. Well, in simple terms, a fissure was formed earlier because of splitting of rock naturally. The depth of this fissure along with seen crevice that is 22 ft wide and 96 ft long is nearly 30 ft due to which a cave-like appearance is reflected to the spectator.
Although the caves have a few depictions that are almost 7000 years old, its discovery dates back to 1895 when Fred Fawcett, the Malabar Districts Superintendent of Police while on a hunting voyage to Wayanad noticed a stone axe belonging to a Neolithic Celt in the coffee plantation field. Today, inside the caves, there exist human and animal carvings on the walls, which signify pre-historic and civilized inhabitants. It displays nature's skill and beliefs on architecture. Of all, the major attraction is the set of three unique sets of petroglyphs in the caves. In South India, Edakkal is the only recognized place where one can find Stone Age carvings. In general, the artwork belongs to the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age, and encompasses stone scripts, symbols, weaponry figures, and figures.
The caves are just at a distance of 16 km from Sultan Bathery. You need to trek up the Ambukutti hill for reaching 4000 ft high where the caves are located. The trek interspersed with coffee plantations and scenic landscapes with cool breeze is quite exciting and that it takes almost 50 minutes. From Edakkal settlement, the caves are accessible by a 1 km trekking trail. It is best to visit the cave in morning. Both the trails and walking road are in good condition.
For saving traveling time, you can choose to stay in one of the affordable holiday homes in Wayanad, which is down the hill. In short, Edakkal caves are among the most ancient hubs of human habitats.
The meaning of the name Edakkal is a stone in between'. As this name suggests, it is believed that a boulder incredibly was stuck in between two larger ones, which resulted in a cave. Well, in simple terms, a fissure was formed earlier because of splitting of rock naturally. The depth of this fissure along with seen crevice that is 22 ft wide and 96 ft long is nearly 30 ft due to which a cave-like appearance is reflected to the spectator.
Although the caves have a few depictions that are almost 7000 years old, its discovery dates back to 1895 when Fred Fawcett, the Malabar Districts Superintendent of Police while on a hunting voyage to Wayanad noticed a stone axe belonging to a Neolithic Celt in the coffee plantation field. Today, inside the caves, there exist human and animal carvings on the walls, which signify pre-historic and civilized inhabitants. It displays nature's skill and beliefs on architecture. Of all, the major attraction is the set of three unique sets of petroglyphs in the caves. In South India, Edakkal is the only recognized place where one can find Stone Age carvings. In general, the artwork belongs to the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age, and encompasses stone scripts, symbols, weaponry figures, and figures.
The caves are just at a distance of 16 km from Sultan Bathery. You need to trek up the Ambukutti hill for reaching 4000 ft high where the caves are located. The trek interspersed with coffee plantations and scenic landscapes with cool breeze is quite exciting and that it takes almost 50 minutes. From Edakkal settlement, the caves are accessible by a 1 km trekking trail. It is best to visit the cave in morning. Both the trails and walking road are in good condition.
For saving traveling time, you can choose to stay in one of the affordable holiday homes in Wayanad, which is down the hill. In short, Edakkal caves are among the most ancient hubs of human habitats.
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