Edakkal Caves is a prehistoric rock shelter in Wayanad’s Ambukuthi Hills, known for engravings and drawings on its rock surfaces. The visit involves an uphill approach of around 300 steps, so check the opening hours before setting out.
- Location: Ambukuthi Hills, 12 km from Sulthan Bathery.
- Approach: An uphill trek of around 300 steps.
- Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
What makes Edakkal Caves notable
Edakkal Caves is a rock shelter formed when a large boulder became wedged between two others. Its name means “a stone in between,” a reference to that distinctive formation.
The shelter’s pictorial drawings and engravings include human and animal figures, tools, vehicles, everyday scenes and scripts. The Wayanad district tourism page dates the oldest engravings to 6000 B.C.
Fred Fawcett discovered the site in 1895. Ancient burial sites called Muniyaras have also been found in the hills; many artifacts from them are now housed at the Wayanad Heritage Museum.
How do you reach the Edakkal Caves entrance?
Edakkal Caves is in the Ambukuthi Hills, 12 km from Sulthan Bathery. Kalpetta is 26.6 km from the caves. Confirm your road route before leaving, as these distances describe the site’s location rather than a particular journey.
For a town stop, the caves’ location makes Sulthan Bathery a nearby reference point; the town is also covered in this guide to Sulthan Bathery’s town market.
What is the climb and visitor access like?
Expect an uphill trek of around 300 steps to reach the caves. The climb is part of the visit, so allow time for the ascent and descent rather than treating the shelter as a roadside stop.
A Wayanad tourism brochure describes the route as a 45-minute nature walk or trek. The estimate gives a sense of the uphill outing, though your pace may affect how long you spend on the approach.
What are the Edakkal Caves timings and entry fee?
Monday is a holiday, and national holidays are also listed as holidays.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00–16:00
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hours and entry arrangements can change. Check the official site before you go, especially if you’re planning around a particular opening time or holiday.
How can you plan the visit around the rest of the day?
Allow time for the uphill approach, then check the operating hours before you set out. Edakkal’s position in the Ambukuthi Hills and its location 12 km from Sulthan Bathery can help you plan a town stop around the visit.
Soochipara Water Falls is about 35 minutes by car from Ranches Jungle Beats. If you’re considering a waterfall outing on another part of your Wayanad trip, the Soochipara Falls visit guide covers the area’s other named attraction.
FAQs
What does “Edakkal” mean?
“Edakkal” means “a stone in between,” describing the boulder wedged between two others that formed the rock shelter.
How many steps are there at Edakkal Caves?
The approach is described as an uphill trek of around 300 steps.
Are Edakkal Caves open on Mondays?
Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday. Monday is identified as a holiday. Published opening hours differ, so check the official site before travelling.
What can you see at Edakkal Caves?
The rock shelter contains pictorial drawings and engravings depicting figures, objects, everyday scenes and scripts.