Information on Edakkal Caves (Wayanad, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Edakkal Caves are the rear hill caves found in the Western Ghats, found in the adjoining borders of south Kerala. This is a controversial cave among the historians and the archeologists. It is an historical and ancient wonder which are still untraceable for its origin and culture. Still it is believed to be a 7th to 5th century BC, by natural formation, due to some catastrophic effects. It is located near Edakkal Caves, Ambukutty Hills, Kalpetta Town of Wayanad District of Kerala State in South India.

Edakkal Caves Architecture

Edakkal Caves were formed due to some catastrophic effects on these areas of Ambukutty Hills. This is the tallest hill of Kalpatta. This hill ranges are from 1000 to 1200 meter above the sea level. These are naturally formed caves here at the height of 1000 meters at this hill top. These caves look like natural formation due to weathering of rocks. Many archeologists believe that, this happened due to rain water flowing through these rocks and dissolved its water soluble minerals. So this tunnel like appearance was internally formed here. To support these phenomena, there are many vertical openings in between huge stones are found, as if these are naturally split or broken apart. Inside these caves there are many art carvings and drawings on the cave walls. There are many scriptures found here. One can also find a civilizations culture depicted on these stones. These drawings indicate that, such peoples were lived here in the ancient times. One of its wall carving has pictured a well clothed male and female, which is very different from the others. Since the other drawings are mostly with feathers and leaves as its costumes. This caves run around up to 2 Km, with many opening towards the sky. These are very attractive to see the sun lights beaming in to its gaps. There are many ridicules rock blocks which are to be carefully accessed. A few places have to be passed by bending positions. There are also vertical gaps in between tall rocks, which cans be passed by one person at a time. The uniqueness of these caves is it has natural gap to pass enough sun lights inside these caves and there are very less dark place inside this cave.

Edakkal Caves History

Edakkal Caves are dates back to more than 5000 years old. The art depictions inside the caves shows, that the Indus Valley Civilization tribal's must have accessed through these areas. Since many of the scripts and drawings resembles to this civilization. This belongs to southern parts of peninsular India, where the Dravidian culture has flourished. But this cave has no such arts form of the Dravidian style. Few historians believed that these were tribal peoples who were here from 7000 BC. Since majority of the pictures are seen with leaves, feathers and animal skin costumes worn around them. This cave has a remarkable carving of a man and women seated among the clay jars. This notifies of an advanced tribal civilization that might have flourished here. But this is the only such carving found on these rocks. Presently, due to its wide popularity international tourist and scholars visiting this cave. The Kerala government has made all amenities for tourist in Kalpata town. Inside the cave, steel bars are fixed as hand supports, which is running all around this caves. This is approached by the Indian government to consider as UNESCO world heritage site.

Edakkal Caves Tourism Importance

Edakkal Caves is an ancient hilltop cave recently accessed by humans. To reach here will be a trucking experience. It will be a great feel to visiting a more than 5000 years old historical place, which are recently found. This place itself is a remote area with scenic surroundings. The adjoining parts of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu can see here from its peak.