Edakkal Caves: Wayanad's ancient carvings
High on Ambukuthi Mala near Sulthan Bathery, a cleft in the rock is covered with carved figures, animals and symbols, some thought to be thousands of years old. The climb up is half the experience.
What are the Edakkal Caves?
Edakkal Caves are two natural rock chambers on Ambukuthi Mala, near Sulthan Bathery in Wayanad, whose walls carry carved human and animal figures and symbols, some believed to be several thousand years old. Reaching them takes a steep climb of about 45 minutes, and entry tickets are limited each day.
Updated
Edakkal at a glance
| Where | Ambukuthi Mala, near Sulthan Bathery, east Wayanad |
| From Vythiri | About 1 hour 15 minutes by road |
| What you see | Rock carvings of figures, animals and symbols in a rock cleft |
| The climb | Steep, about 45 minutes from parking |
| Tickets | Limited per day; go early |
What you will see
The “cave” is really a deep cleft between huge boulders, roofed over by a fallen rock. Its walls are covered with carvings: stylised human figures, animals, wheels and other symbols, layered over a very long period. Light changes through the day, and the carvings show most clearly when sun strikes the walls at an angle.
Visiting tips
- Arrive in the morning; the climb is hot by midday and queues build on weekends.
- Wear shoes with grip and carry water; there is little on the way up.
- Photography rules can change, so ask at the ticket counter.
- Keep to the marked path and do not touch the carvings.
Combine it with
Sulthan Bathery town has good places for lunch, and Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary is a short drive on, for an afternoon jeep safari if tickets are available. If the caves are your main plan, ask us for a resort near Sulthan Bathery.
Places to visit
| Place | Distance | Drive | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pookode Lake | 3 km | 10 min | Families, a slow first evening |
| Edakkal Caves | 40 km | 1 hr 15 min | History, a steep morning climb |
| Muthanga Wildlife Sanctuary | 55 km | 1 hr 30 min | Jeep safari, elephants |
Approximate road distances from Vythiri. Ghat roads are slow after rain, so add time in the monsoon.
Questions
How hard is the climb to Edakkal Caves?
The last stretch is steep, with steps, rock and iron ladders, and takes about 45 minutes from the parking area for most people. It suits anyone reasonably fit; older guests and small children may find the final section difficult.
When are Edakkal Caves open?
The caves open in the daytime and have often been closed on Mondays; tickets are limited per day and sell out on busy weekends. Timings and rules change, so check before you go and arrive in the morning.
Who discovered the Edakkal carvings?
They were brought to wider attention in the 1890s by Fred Fawcett, a British police officer in Malabar, who documented the carvings. Archaeologists have since studied them as some of the most important rock art in South India.
How far are Edakkal Caves from Vythiri?
About 40 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes by road via Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery. Start early to beat the heat and the queues.
Send your dates on WhatsApp
Fill in your name and number, pick dates if you know them, and WhatsApp opens with everything typed in.