Edakkal Caves

The journey begins at a parking ticket counter on the main road, the fee was ₹30 for a car. They assign a numbered parking area (ours was No. 7), and from there, you walk some distance before the line of small shops begins. The path gets progressively steeper, though it’s a tar road initially. After a long uphill walk, you’ll reach another ticket counter (₹50 per person) to continue further. Beyond this point, the path turns rocky and steeper, and you’ll need to climb or walk over rocks carefully. There’s even a narrow opening to pass through, a fun little adventure before you reach the upper section. The views from there are beautiful, and thankfully, steel railings have been installed to assist with the climb. At the top, on the right side, there’s a cave-like chamber where you can see ancient carvings, not very clear, but still fascinating to witness in person. The exit route is separate and has full steel railing support for an easier descent. ⚠️ Note: The climb is not suitable for elderly visitors or those with health or breathing issues. Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing — it’s quite a workout! ✅ Facilities: 🅿️ Parking – Yes 🚻 Toilets – Yes ♿ Accessibility – No

Nestled high on Ambukuthi Mala in Wayanad, Kerala, the Edakkal Caves offer more than just a sightseeing trip; they provide a profound journey through time. Technically a natural rock shelter formed by a massive fissure in the mountain, Edakkal is a mandatory stop for history enthusiasts and adventurous trekkers. ​The experience begins with a challenging but rewarding climb. The path is steep and well-secured with rails and steps, demanding comfortable footwear and a moderate fitness level. The approximately 45-minute ascent can be strenuous, but it culminates in one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Western Ghats and the lush Wayanad valley below—a stunning reward for the physical effort. ​The true marvel, however, lies inside the cave. Edakkal is world-renowned for its extensive collection of petroglyphs, or ancient rock carvings. These unique pictorial writings and symbols, etched into the dark walls, date back to the Neolithic (New Stone Age) era, making them potentially 8,000 years old. The carvings depict figures of humans, animals, and mysterious geometric symbols, offering archaeologists and visitors a direct, tangible link to some of India’s earliest civilized settlements. Standing among these silent, ancient artworks is an awe-inspiring moment. ​To maximize your visit, arrive early to avoid the midday sun and the heavy rush of tourists, as the narrow pathways can get crowded. Edakkal Caves is an unforgettable combination of natural beauty, physical challenge, and immense historical value. It's a powerful reminder of our ancient past, perfectly preserved high in the mountains of Kerala.

Visiting the Edakkal Caves was one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Wayanad. The trek up the Ambukuthi Hills is moderately challenging, with a mix of rocky paths and scenic greenery all around — but the view as you climb higher keeps you going. Once you reach the top, the cool breeze and panoramic view of the valleys are absolutely stunning.The caves themselves are truly fascinating. Inside, you can see ancient carvings on the rock walls — human figures, animals, and strange symbols that date back thousands of years. It’s amazing to think that these were made by people from the Stone Age! The atmosphere inside the cave feels calm and mysterious, almost like stepping back in time. Overall, it’s a perfect blend of history, adventure, and nature — a must-visit spot if you’re in Wayanad.

Though it says 1 km trek to the caves, it felt much longer for us. Path to reach the caves starts with a normal road and gets steeper and narrower as you climb up. Steel staircases are provided in some places for better safety. View from the top is beautiful and the carvings in the cave have mostly vanished so it looks like normal caves inside. Exit route is different, it's a lot easier and quicker than the ascent. Parking and rest rooms available. Good place to visit if you love a workout!

Edakkal Cave offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty and ancient history. The trek to the top is a bit steep, but the views and the cool breeze make it worth it. Inside, the prehistoric carvings are stunning and give a real sense of stepping back in time. Overall, it’s a must-visit spot in Wayanad for anyone who loves nature, history, or a bit of adventure.

The trekking experience was great🏃🚶🤩, with a short 1.3 km walk from the parking area. However, the cave itself felt a bit small, making it feel like the experience ended quickly 😕. Parking areas 1-6 are conveniently located near the cave. Parking charge 50 Entrance ticket 50 for Adult, 30 for Childrens

The hike to the actual cave painting is physically demanding. Everyone we saw was tiered. The hike is easily 2km or more in total. It include the hike to the ticket counter and then the hike to the reach the cave. Nevertheless, its something you wouldn't see anywhere else. You would definitely appreciate it if you love history and see the prehistoric past infront of your eyes. I reduced one star because the hike is really excruciating. Its closed on Mondays.

Amazing caves and awe inspiring. The moss covered stones and support for access is great! The views are stunning. However, the parking is not easily identifiable, lots of these for cars are given to the buses. The hike from parking to the cave is moderately challenging, with 5-6 steep slopes. We went on a Sunday so it was extremely crowded with many people jumping queues and yelling. More staff is needed to manage the crowd on such days.