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Introduction
The Edakkal Caves of Kerala are one of the earliest sites of human habitation, and they represent an exceptionally rich Pictographic Gallery of a unique kind. Located on the Ambukuthi Hills near Ambalavayal, at a distance of about 10 kilometers from Sultan Bathery, in Kerala's Wayanad District, Edakkal Caves is a major tourist destination of South India. If you have an interest in the primitive history of India, you must include a tour to Edakkal in your Kerala trip itinerary.
The Edakkal Caves were said to have formed naturally, when out of some natural causes, a corner of a rock split off from the main body and made a fissure in the rock. What makes it look like a cave apparently is the fact that a huge rock, weighing several tons, had fallen in the other portion of the large cleft, forming a roof over a large portion of it. The cave walls bear some beautiful inscriptions and carvings which depict prehistoric men and their ways of life. Visit Edakkal and marvel at the stone scripts, cave drawings and pictorial inscriptions of human and animal figures with unique head dresses, swastik representations, stars, wheels, bows, knives, palm trees etc. Edakkal cave drawings resemble the 7000 year old straight line cave drawings found only in Stiriya in the European Alps and in certain rocky places of Africa.
The actual origin of these cave drawings still remain a mystery. Nevertheless, they are evocative enough to mesmerize you on your tour to Edakkal. These scriptures provide an excellent insight into the highly civilized lives and habitats of pre-historic men. While on tour to Edakkal, you can access the caves only through a 1 km trek route. The journey to the top is an extremely challenging one, but the breathtaking scenery all around - acres and acres of green forest and hillocks - is sure to captivate you with its charm during your Edakkal trip.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Kozhikode, about 97 km from Sultan Bathery.
Tourist Attractions
Chembra Peak - Located 14 km west of Kalpetta, the Chembra Peak is the highest peak in Wayanad, rising to a height of 2100m above sea level.
Thiruneli Temple - The historical Thiruneli Temple, located 30 km from Mananthavady in Wayanad District, is a marvelous specimen of Kerala temple architecture, featuring 30 granite slabs supporting the shrine and a floor tiled with massive square granite blocks. The holy mountain spring of Papanasini located nearby, is blessed with divine powers to free the soul of all its sins.
Pakshipathalam - As the name suggests, Pakshipathalam is an idyllic hill resort that is home to a wide variety of different species of birds and animals. Located 7 km north-east of Thirunelli in Wayanad district, Pakshipathalam is one of the favored tourist destinations in Kerala.
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