Quick answerEdakkal Caves near Ambalavayal hold ancient rock engravings of human and animal figures inside a split in a huge rock. The climb is steep but short. It is open 8:30 AM to 4 PM and closed on Mondays, with a daily cap of 1,920 visitors.
Our tip
Prehistoric rock carvings on a short trek near Sultan Bathery. Small, uncrowded, genuinely ancient. The climb takes 20 minutes, and the engravings at the top are unlike anything else in Wayanad. Go before 10 AM.From our guest guidebook
Staying nearby? Our coffee-estate homes in Kakkavayal are about 11 km away as the crow flies. Book a stay →
What to expect
A jeep shuttle and then a steep climb on steps and rock take you up Ambukuthi hill to two natural caves formed by a giant crack in the rock. On the walls are engravings of figures, animals and symbols, linked to very early human settlement in the region. The caves were brought to wider attention in 1895.
Plan your visit
- Never plan Edakkal for a Monday.
- Come early: once the daily cap is reached, late arrivals are turned away.
- Wear good shoes and carry water; the climb is short but tiring.
- It is plastic-free. Pair it with the Heritage Museum in Ambalavayal and Phantom Rock.
Getting there
Questions
Is Edakkal Caves open on Monday?
No. It is closed every Monday.
What are Edakkal Caves timings?
8:30 AM to 4 PM; no entry to the hilltop after 4 PM.
Is the Edakkal climb difficult?
It is steep but short. Most reasonably fit visitors manage it in about 20–30 minutes.