Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves

Edakkal Caves
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:15 PM
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  • Satish P
    Thane, India1,252 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Journey better than the destination
    The road to the caves is quite steep and steps are also steep. Good part is that there are trees by the side so even during the afternoon sun, it's comfortable to walk. Surrounding ambience was quite scenic. Caves however were a bit of disappointment. Not many carvings.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 February 2024
  • Deepak Dhanda
    Pune, India28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing and Educative
    Glad I could witness the stone art of 6000 BC in a cave 30000 yrs old. The Heritage site is very well managed by the Kerala Administration. Guides inside the Cave will help you understand the art work. One km walk and 780 steps to cave. Must See
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 February 2024
  • Beat R
    Basel, Switzerland93 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    History and nature
    The Edakkal ("a stone in between") Cave is actually a cave-like rock shelter open at the top, formed by a boulder wedged between two large boulders. On the walls you can see petroglyphs, images carved into the rock, human beings, animal figures, tools and symbols. They date from the Neolithic period and are between 8,000 and 3,000 years old. The youngest, the so-called man with a glass bowl, is associated with the Harappa culture (Indus culture). The petroglyphs are the only examples known to date from South India. Along with two Jain temples and the Thirunelli Mahavishnu Temple, they are one of the historical highlights of the Wayanad region. - The reviews advise against visiting for older people. The reason for this is the steep climb. As a 71-year-old, still quite sprightly Central European, the visit was not easy for me either, but it is definitely worth it for anyone who enjoys history and nature and is still a good walker. The steep asphalt road (no driving allowed) leads from the car park about 1.2 km up to the entrance, where you pay a small entrance fee - and where the last toilets are located before the actual climb. The path is lined with souvenir shops and simple food options (snacks and drinks) as well as a small cinema for children (dinosaurs in 3D). There are also supposed to be many monkeys on the road that occasionally demand food. We didn't see any. After paying the entrance fee, there are around 380 steps (not counted), which first consist of irregularly high and wide stones, then of metal, leading very steeply up to 1200 m above sea level. It is advisable to tackle the climb in the morning when it is not yet so hot. The whole thing is breathtaking, in the truest sense of the word, both the climb and the view. Once you reach the top, you enter the "cave", where there are usually already lots of visitors and guides who can explain the petroglyphs if you want. Occasionally there are a lot of visitors, so access is limited. So arrive early. When we were there, there were a lot of young people in class groups. Despite the crowds of visitors, everything is very clean and well maintained. And the metal stairs are very well maintained. So there is no danger. If you feel reasonably fit and can cope with the high temperature, a visit is definitely recommended. You will remember the wonderful landscape and the unique rock paintings of our ancestors for a long time.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 6 March 2024
  • ELDHO MONCY
    India7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exploring Edakkal Caves
    Visiting Edakkal Caves was a captivating experience that combined history, nature, and adventure. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Wayanad, the caves offered a glimpse into ancient rock carvings and inscriptions dating back thousands of years. The trek up to the caves was moderate yet exhilarating, with breathtaking views of the Western Ghats along the way. Inside, the cave walls adorned with prehistoric artwork provided a sense of awe and wonder. The guides were knowledgeable, adding depth to our understanding of the significance of these archaeological wonders. Overall, Edakkal Caves proved to be a perfect blend of exploration and learning, making it an unforgettable outing with colleagues.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 June 2024
  • mukesh s
    18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Edakkal caves worth exploring
    Archeological, historical site. If your joints and heart support, you should experience this 6000 years old stonage carving. Right time to visit is oct to March. Enjoy each and every steps on uphill. Take the service of the guide present over there. You can pay what you feel good.
    Visited October 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 12 October 2024
  • Maya J
    Kochi (Cochin), India3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awe inspiring
    Don’t expect just to walk into some cave, there’s long long way to walk but very interesting. Wear your sneakers and be ready to make an adventurous walk. The place is well preserved with no littering or dirt around. Make sure that u carry enough water and get the tickets for the water bottles as well. While returning show the water bottles at the counter and get your money back. There are lot of staff around to help you out
    Visited January 2025
    Travelled with family
    Written 22 January 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,700 reviews
Excellent
591
Very good
648
Average
307
Poor
94
Terrible
60

Ankit Deshmukh
Bengaluru, India134 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023 • Friends
The place is closed on
1. Republic Day
2. May Day
3. Independence Day
4. Gandhi Jayanti
5. Thiruvonam
6. All Mondays

Also the place is likely to be closed after 1pm because there is a rule that only 1920 (approx) people per day can visit. Even though the official closing time is 4pm.

Suggestion would be to visit this place in the morning itself around 9 am to avoid crowd and get a ticket.

Quite a lot of shops on the way to caves.
You be charged Rs. 20 if you have a plastic bottle.
Do carry cash since their internet is glitchy (obviously).

The caves are interesting but there is no explanation on what exactly is written on those rocks! You may find some random guy asking for money in exchange of explanation.

The stairs are well constructed, even a senior citizen can climb it.
Written 5 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Big Indian Tours
Asia641 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
A challenging adventure with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment despite the tough journey. A place with an astonishing combination of natural beauty and historical significance. The adventure offers a journey back in time, decoding messages left by ancestors.

A nominal fee of 20 rupees for parking. About a kilometre journey from the parking lot to the ticket counter. Entry fee of 50 rupees per person. Sturdy shoes are advised due to slippery roads. Descent poses a challenge with steep stairs and steep iron or steel steps for about 1km. Not recommended for aged people and children due to challenging paths and steps.

The cave contains historical symbols by early humans. Engraved Tamil Brahmi letters and pictorial representations on side rock walls. Unique rock formations, ancient symbols and carvings date back to 6000 BCE.

Views can be hindered by the popularity of the destination. There is a limit for the total count of tickets they will not allow more than 2000 tickets total for one day.

Knowledgeable guides available in the main cave will showcase notable petroglyphs. Takes around 1.5 to 2 hours for a round-trip. For those seeking an adventure, this cave offers more than just a physical challenge; it presents a distinctive and unforgettable destination, blending a rich tapestry of historical and cultural experiences.
Written 2 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kapil Sood
Bengaluru, India413 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Very nice caves if you are interested in history, not very often you see things which are (claimed to be) 6000 years old!

What to expect:
1. As you approach this place there is a parking fee collected, Rs.40/- for the car and they allot you a parking lot number, there are almost 10 of them. Very organised.
2. There is a very steep walk up, approx 1Km. There are shops on the way for eats and tit bits. They are very polite and don't push you much.
3. Then you reach the ticket counters & there are toilets too. Ticket is Rs.50/- per adult.
4. After this the real fun (challenge) starts. There are big steep stone steps up and steel steps down. Approx 300+ steps.
5. This place can get very crowded too, so getting there early in the day is better as the crowds are less and it is not very hot.
6. Assuming the steps can get very slippery during the rains, so exercise caution.
7. Not advisable for people above 70, pregnant women, people with heart ailments, people who don't exercise to do this walk, it'll be too strenuous.
8. Beautiful views from the top and the icing on the cake are the stone carvings, 6000 years old!

Must visit for history lovers for sure!
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SGN
17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Family
Long lines to get in. Expect about a kilometer of walking on steep incline roads to get to entrance. Entry closes after about 2000 visitors each day. So better visit early. There are massive lines trying to get to first cave and people jostling to get ahead on steep steps, which is a recipe for disaster some day!! But the upper cave was worth the hike! Breathtaking views and rock engravings.
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Priyanka9987
Mumbai, India521 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Highly recommended trek/ walk and must visit places near Wayanad. The trek takes about 2.5 hrs with a 6-yr old. Takes 20mons till entry point, 40 mins for the uphill trek till the highest point and 20 mins downhill back to parking
The trek is steep but has many places to take a break, with greenery all around with great views. The view from the top is beautiful and the cave drawings are must see. Take the help of a guide to understand what they mean and they also take very good pics of you. Start early by 8-9am and be done by noon. Weekends are crowded with school and college groups..quite touristy entrance and a great place to shop for things back home in the form of banana chips chocolates eucalyptus oil and spices
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anoop Kumar N
Melbourne, Australia48 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We were there at 9:30 am. queue was very long and it took 2 hours to get a ticket ( RS.50) . It is not a very good cave. Just an experience . The area was surprisingly clean. Wear shoes and take drinking water. nearly 1.3km from the parking. Very difficult to get parking . No parking slots. peoples will park where ever they can.
( Rs.50/car). When we take plastic bottles give Rs. 20 for a sticker and when we came back they show the bottle and get the refund. Not recommended for elderly and small kids.
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neo123456
Bengaluru, India51 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Few pointers to plan your travel to the caves :
1. You’ll have to walk on very steep road for 1km to reach to the cave. You’ll have lot of eating/shopping options on the way
2. There are around 300 steps one way to reach to both caves. Views are breathtaking and worth the effort
3. Not very crowded and very well maintenance by Kerala govt
4. Cave at the top has sculptures.. you’ll find a guide who’ll share stories of 30,000 years before.

Eddakal means stone between the caves
Written 19 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

steadyslack
Exeter, UK1,336 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We parked at Car Park 1. The uphill 1.5 km walk to the 350 step steel stairs was reasonably interesting as we spotted some birds and a giant Malabar squirrel. There were few visitors and we climbed the stairs unhindered. There’s only one cave to visit. Our excellent guide enabled us to recognise various forms depicted by the etchings. If busy, this cave would be rather packed as it is roughly 80 by 20 metres. Good exercise and you don’t see BC 6,000 art every day! Entry 30 rupees per adult and 50 rupees for camera. Allow 90 minutes excluding queues.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

P V
Pinner, UK341 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Couples
A challenging uphill walk up to the caves. There are high stone steps followed by metal steps leading to the 2 caves. Many centuries old caves with stone carvings from patterns to what looks like a Sherman priests and what looks like a huge bird like shape. Seems like this place was more of a worship places than place to stay.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

doug m
Blairgowrie, UK69 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Climb involves over 1km of fairly steep track followed by over 350 steps up to cave entrance. View from top out over the countryside was great. Cave area was quite small but we had the place to ourselves other than a park security person who pointed out the many carved images on the rock wall.
All very interesting but be prepared for a tough climb in the heat.
Written 11 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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EDAKKAL CAVES (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor

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