Edakkal Caves

Literally meaning “the stone in between”, the Edakkal caves are a source of mystery and intrigue to most archaeologists. It was first discovered by Fred Fawcett, the superintendent of police of Malabar during the 1890′s. He discovered this during a trekking trip to the Ambukuthy mountain range. During this trek he discovered a Neolithic stone axe which led him to this rock shelter where there were many stone carvings. While many believe that these engravings belong to the Neolithic age, some are said to be also from the Mesolithic age when Celts (A prehistoric stone or metal implement) was used.

These caves are located on two levels with the engravings found only in one cave on the second level. The cave affords us a view into the life of these tribes that resided this part of the world. Amongst the 15 odd engravings in the cave, you will find engravings of a tribal queen, wheeled cart, a few male and female figures, an elephant and deer.

You can only take your vehicle only up to first kilometre of the gradient. You can park your vehicle here and take a jeep. The jeep drops you at a place from where a series of steps leads you to the ticketing gate. After buying the ticket, you start the climb. There are steps till a certain level only and thereafter your rock climbing skills are called on for. In our enthusiasm to climb we completely missed the caves and kept climbing up. The gradient is steep and at many places you will need to hold ropes to climb up. The one hour climb to the top is exhausting and is a test of physical ability. But the view from the top of the rock face is worth all the effort. From the top acres and acres of lush green forests and hillocks greet your eye. Thoughtfully a telescope has been provided at the top and it provides an excellent view of the forests.

On the way back indulge yourself in the special masala soda and ginger sherbet which is sold at the place where the jeep drops you off. These are refreshing and probably the only place where I have had such great soda. There are other varieties of sodas as well. There is a chilly soda which is seasoned with a chilli ginger paste. Unique taste indeed.

This place like all tourist spots in Kerala has shops selling you many forest produce like honey, coffee, tea and spices.

The bath in the falls and the long climb up the Edakkal caves had really spurred by appetite and we had a sumptuous meal of boiled tapioca and a hot and sour chilli chutney in a roadside restaurant (This is one dish you should try out in Kerala. Tapioca boiled and served with fish or chutney is special to Kerala and you must not miss it).

It was getting dark and we decided that we should now fall back to our hotel in Kalpeta. Once again we spent the night looking over the town from our balcony and drowned few shots of vodka which warmed us up in the cold night.