Edakkal Caves

Located amidst the thick flora and fauna of the Ambukuthy mountain range at 4,000ft, the pre-historic Edakkal Caves is 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala. Edakkal Caves are natural caves that feature prehistoric New Stone Age petroglyphs in the Pali and Brahmini scripts. These caves have become famous all over the world as one of the earliest human habitats.

A legend behind this cave is that, the caves were formed by arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the two sons of Sri Rama ( the celebrated hero of the famous epic, 'Ramayana'). Some other belief that Lord Rama killed Surpanakha (the sister of Ravana) in the narrow fissure at the southern end of Edakkal cave. 

According to Archaeologists, the caves boasts line drawings belonging to the Neolithic Age, dating back to 4,000-1,700 BC. The drawings at Edakkal depict human figures, stars, wheels, bows, knives, palm trees, various animals like dogs, foxes, deer's etc.

F. Fawcett, a Superintendent of Police cum a pre-history enthusiast, accidentally discovered the caves in 1894. There are two caves in Ambukuthy hills, between Sultan Bathery and Ambalavayal. It is said that these caves are formed by a split in a huge rock due to some natural causes. The name 'Edakkal' is derived from the rock that is supported in between other larger rocks (Edai + Kal = stone in the middle).

The caves are situated in the middle of the Ambukuthimala and to reach this cave, a 1 km trekking is needed. The trail is narrow and extremely steep (about 80° ) with lush greenery all around. A gate is situated at the entrance of the Edakkal Caves. The cave is on two levels, the lower chamber is about 18 feet long , 12 feet width and 10 feet high. One have to pass through a gap to enter the caves. 

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