Edakkal Caves, Wayanad

The Edakkal caves are two natural caves at a remote location in sultan bathery in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India. These caves are situated at a height of around 3,900 ft above sea level on Ambukutty Mala(Ambukutty hill).

The caves contain very old paintings that are believed to be from around 6,000 BCE, made by people from the Neolithic(New Stone Age, an archaeological period) period. These paintings show that people lived in this area in prehistoric times. The stone carvings are extremely rare and are only ones found in South India.

Significance

These are not actual caves, but more like a crack, split or rock shelter. It measures about 96 ft long & 22 ft wide and has a depth of 30 ft. This gap or split was formed when a large rock broke off from the main hill. 

A huge rock with tonnes of weight, now lies over the gap making it a shelter that looks like a cave. Inside the cave, there are carvings of people, animals, tools and symbols. These carvings show that people may have lived here in prehistoric times.

How To Reach

Ambalvayal bus stand is the nearest stop to the Edakkal Caves with a distance of around 4.3 KM. You can take a local auto from the bus stand to reach the caves.