Edakkal Cave
About: |
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Edakkal Caves is located at Ambukuthi Hill in between Sulthan Batheri and Ambalavayal, Wayanad district, Kerala. The name “Edakkal” literally means “a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the lower chamber measures about 18 feetlong by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet.A travel tour to Kerala, showcases a vast variety of architectural and natural marvels at the disposal of a seeking out traveler who needs to be informed about attractions like the Edakkal cave treasure. A visit to Tourism in Kerala would portray that the Edakkal caves or a planned out travel tour to these caves would reveal them to be the oldest surviving pictographic gallery of its kind in the world. This truly magnificent structure is a storehouse of pre-historic art forms. These etchings and carvings on the walls of the caves are truly fascinating as they date back to almost 5000 years. This attracts historians and archaeologists from all over the world. The Edakkal Caves have been the cradle of human civilization at different stages in history.Visit Edakkal Caves to look at exceptional rock art depicting human and animal figure carvings by Neolithic and later civilizations. The caves can be reached through trekking trails within the forested area starting at Edakkal and the best time to visit the caves is during morning hours. The word Edakkal refers to a situation of keeping a stone in between two other rocks, they would reflect the strange position of one large stone jutting out of two rocks and in a way getting their support in a manner that it works as a natural shelter and as a place for the artistic expression of the local inhabitants. Down town Ambalavayal has a heritage museum, first of its kind in the state. It has a rare collection of instruments and curios shedding light to life, centuries back.The wall paintings and the sculptures in this cave are beautiful. These Caves are natural rock cut-out formations, formed by a large split in a huge rock roofed over by other large rocks, all fixed in position through natural processes. Archaeologists say the place was one of the earliest centres of human habitation.In 1910, an amateur archeologist uncovered the caves. Ancient stone writings, cave drawings and wall inscriptions of human and animal figures with peculiar head dresses, forms and symbols are found inside. |
Location info: |
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Address:Ambalavayal, Wayanad district, Kerala, India |
| District: Wayanad District |
| Nearest City: Kalpetta, Meppadi, Muttil, Meenangadi and Sultan Battery. |
| Best time to visit: At any time, But visit in Morning session. |
Climate/Weather: |
| Almost its a cool place, So Temparature in Summer: 37 (Max) & 21 (Min) Degrees Celsius and in Winter: 29(Max) & 10 (Min) Degrees Celsius. |
History: |
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The name Ambukuthimala is ascribed to the local legend which has it that the caves were formed by arrows fired by Lava and Kusha, the sons of Sri Rama, legendary hero of the Ramayana.Even today there are many who believe that Lord Rama killed Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana, in the narrow fissure at the southern end of Edakkal cave.A local legend associates Kutti Chatan (the little devil of Malabar) with the goddess Mudiampilli, and until recently local people undertook an annual pilgrimage to the peak of the hill to perform a puja (ritual offering) in her honour. |
Interesting things to do: |
| This is one of the most Attractive visiting place in kerala, Watch the wall paintings and the sculptures in this cave, anf figures painted by ancient people. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Sulthan Bathery: The place is associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan and specially the Jain temple where you'll see some great carvings on stone. Chethalayam Falls: It is a small waterfall of Wayanad. The place is specially favoured by the tourists for bird watching. Muniyaras: The excavations at the base of the Ambukuthi hills have uncovered ancient burial vaults called Muniyaras. The stone age tools and pottery have also been found here. Jain Temple: The Jain Temple of Sulthan Bathery built in the 13th century has withstood the tests of time – having served as a place of worship for Jains, Hindus and later used as an ammunition store (battery) by Tipu Sulthan’s army. This place of historic importance is one of the prominent tourist attractions here. Ganapathi Temple: The eight century old Ganapathi Temple is a famous place of Hindu worship in Sulthan Bathery. This ancient temple, located in the heart of the town, was the very reason why Sulthan Bathery was earlier referred as Ganapativattom. Mariyamman Temple: The Mariyamman Temple is the focal point of tribal population in the area; their lives revolving around the temple and its rituals. The temple, believed to have been gifted by Pazhassi Raja to the tribals as a gesture of thanksgiving for helping him fight the British Empire. Kanthapara Falls: Pookot Lake: The most important tourist destination in Wayanad, Pookot Lake is a natural fresh-water lake nestled amidst evergreen forests and wooded slopes. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode Railway Station |
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Nearest Airport: Karipur international airport at Kozhikode |
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Road Transport: Despite the availability of all the transport facilities, you'll still have to trek for about 1 km to reach to Edakkal Caves. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Meenmutty Water Falls: Meenmutty Falls is located 29 km from Kalpetta in Wayanad District in the state of Kerala, India. It is a three-tiered waterfall with a height of 300 metres.Meenmutty Falls, the largest and most spectacular waterfall in the Wayanad District, is a 2 km hike though the jungle from the main Ooty Road.It is Kerala"s second largest waterfall and the one most unspoiled in its natural setting. Soochipara Falls: The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta. Sentinel rocks falls: Locally known as Soochipara, this is a very popular leisure destination. While younger visitors love to romp in the pool formed at the foot of the fall, the more restrained can have equally good fun just taking in the scenery. Seetha Lava Kusha Temple: Seetha Lava Kusha Temple-This is the only temple dedicated to Lava and Kusha, the sons of Lord Rama. Local legends connect this region with many important episodes from the Ramayana. As the favoured shrine of the Pazhassi Raja, this temple has traditionally permitted entry to devotees from all faiths. Muthanga Wild Life Sanctuary: is an animal sanctuary in Wayanad, Kerala, south India. It is on the way from Mysore to Sultan Battery. Wild animals such as bison, elephant, deer and tiger has been spotted. There are also quite a few wild birds in the sanctuary.Peacocks and Peafowl tend to be very common in the area. It is spread over 344 km² and is about 16 km east of Sultan Battery. Lakkidi: The gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 mts above the mean sea level, at the crust of Thamarassery Ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxurious forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. Chain Tree: Even today, a chain still hangs from a Banyan tree to mark the spot where a British Colonialist murdered an Adivasi tribesman Pazhassi Tourist Resort: Pazhassi Tourist Resort at Mananthavady is a good picnic centre in north Wayanad. There is a good aquarium here. Coin operated toys for children and boating facilities for tourist are available here. Kuruva Island: The Kuruva island, 950 acre3s of ever green forest on the tributaries of east flowing river Kabani, is an ideal picnic spot, far away from the disturbances of city life. The island is uninhabited. Banasura Sagar Dam: Banasura Sagar Dam, which impounds the Karamanathodu tributary of the Kabini River, is part of the Indian Banasurasagar Project consisting of a dam and a canal project started in 1979.The goal of the project is to support the Kakkayam Hydro electric power project. Garudapara: Garudapara is a huge rock (about 30ft high) on the edge of the hill there. We carefully climbed the rock and took a ½ hr snooze on top of it, though it was a bit irritating with the noon sun directly hitting on our faces, but the cool winds blowing across region saved the day. Thirunelli Temple: Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The 'Koothambalam' here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls. Papanashini: Papanashini meaning "Washing of sins" is a river in Kerala. Papanashini has a story of its origin. Lord Brahma was making Vishnu’s idol and at the same time Garuda with a pot of nectar called Amrit Kumbha reached the installation place. When Garuda was completing his circling, one drop of Amrita fell into the stream, and hence the stream obtained the power of purification. After this incident, the stream was referred as Papanashini. Mananthavady Park : Mananthavady Park is situated on the banks of the Mananthavady puzha. The park is also known for its bat colony. The attempts by the authorities to get rid of the bats lead to protests by environmental activists. Valliyoorkkavu : This Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess and is worshipped in three principal forms of Vana Durga, Bhadrakali and Jala Durga It is the most important place of worship for the tribal communities Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary : Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Wayanad. One of the memorable experiences is night camping. The watch tower of this sanctuary is situated above the lake and is the main water source to animals. Phantom Rock: Major Touristic places near Luxury Hotel on the Gateway of Wayanad, Calicut, Kerala - Hotel Wynad RegencyLocated close to Ambalavayal town, Phantom Rock; named so because of it’s skull head shape, is locally called Cheengeri Mala. The immediate surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Petrol Pump Petrol Pump Thamarashery Petrol Pump Junction Petrol Pump |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Hotel Regency Herbal Nest Hotel Mintflower Nair Tea Stall Edakkal Hermitage Hiliya Resort Issac's Hotel Regency |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Pothuckal police station Chevayur Police Station Nadakkavu Police Station |
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Nearest Hospital: Vinayaka Hospital Assumption Hospital Govt Taluk Hospital Karuna Hospital Homoeo Hospital |
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Link: http://livekerala.blogspot.com/2009/10/edakkal-caves-wayanad-kerala-bangalore.html |
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| Banasura Sagar Dam |
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| Pakshipathalam Hill Station |
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| Vythiri Hill Station |
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| Wayanad Hill Station |
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| Kuruvadweep Island |
| Kuruva Dweep Island is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature.....more |
| Pookkode Lake |
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| Ambalavayal Museum |
| Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is situated in Ambalavayal, Near Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district, Kerala.The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, the archaeological museum in Wayanad,- has one of Kerala's largest collections of the remnants of an era dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Ambalavayal museum is a hot bed for historians, archeologists and common travelers alike. It exhibits the remnants of all the traces of a long lost civilization that flourished in the mountains of Wayanad. The museum is a veritable treasure trove of clay sculptures, ancient hunting artifacts, and other varied sculptures. They are a testimony to the fact that ancient human civilization existed here in an organized form.....more |
| Thirunelli Temple |
| Thirunelli Temple is located 30 kms north west of Mananthavadi in the Wayanad district, Thirunelli Temple is known as the "Kashi of South". Tucked away in the Brahmagiri Hills, Thirunelli Temple is encircled by the gurgling River Papanasini.Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is an architectural marvel with 30 granite pieces supporting the shrine and the floor paved with huge square granite blocks.The 'Koothambalam' here is one of the best in the State and rare paintings adorn the temple walls.....more |
| Chethalayam Waterfall |
| About 12 km from Sultan Bathery Pulpalli Main Road, near Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular tourist spot known as Chethalayam Waterfalls. Chethalayam is one of Wayanad's smaller waterfalls. It's surroundings offer a number of vantage points for bird-watching. It is also popular with trekking enthusiasts. One has to trek for about 4 km across hills to reach the scenic picnic spot. ere you can see elephants, spotted deer, guar, sambhar and sloth bear.For a glimpse of this lovely waterfall, one has to trek a distance of around 4 kms from Chethalayam.....more |
| Kanthanpara Waterfall |
| Kanthanpara Waterfalls is situated 12 km southeast of Kalpetta and 8 km east of Meppadi in Wayanad. The waterfall is surrounded on both sides by beautiful tea gardens. This magnificent 99 ft cataract is an ideal spot for a day-long picnic. The lesser known Kanthanpara Waterfall is only five minutes drive from Glenora Homestay in Wayanad. It's much more peaceful and less frequented than nearby Sentinel Rock Falls. The scintillating beauty of Wayanad with its undulating hills decked in green, unmolested by the menace of mass tourism and brimming with a wide range of flora and fauna is truly appealing to any lover of Nature.....more |
| Meenmutty Waterfall |
| Meenmutty Waterfalls is situated in Wayanad District and is 12 km east of Meppadi. It is a spectacular fall cascading in three tiers, down a height of about more than 300 m. A trekker's paradise, it has the distinction of being the second largest waterfall in Kerala.It is well connected by road with Kalpetta.On the way to the waterfalls, one could come across ample bird life, and many species of butterflies.Cascading over three stages and falling from a height of over 300 meters, Meenmutty is the tallest waterfall in Wayanad.....more |
| Sentinal Rock WaterFall |
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| Soochipara Waterfall |
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The Soochippara waterfalls are situated near Meppadi and are real treasures of nature. The waterfall ranged from 100 to 300 feet in height and is a luxury to the eyes. This is a prominent place for leisurely destination. And this place is a blessed place as its divinity is obvious in the beauty of the nature.This falls is around 22 km from Kalpetta.The real treasure of nature Soochipara Falls is located near Mappadi with the water falling from a height of 100 to 300 ft amidst greenery. The advantage is the added flavor to the beauty of this place.This falls gives good pleasur eand wonderful opportunity for bathing, water rafting and swimming.there is no current at all so it is safe to swim.....more |
| Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary |
| The Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Indian state, that is in Tholpetty, Waynad district of Kerala. A part of the Waynad Plateau, this wildlife park in Kerala is famous for its tigers and leopards along with the other wildlife that one can find during holidays in Waynad. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary comprises two districts of Kerala i.e. in the north; it is a part of the Cannanore district while its southern part is located in the Calicut district. The park extends from the latitude 11°15' in the North to the longitude 76°30' in the East.....more |