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Exploring Edakkal Caves |
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There are plenty of interesting locations in “God's Own Country". Exploring them is a fascinating experience. One among them is the Edakkal caves situated in the Ambukuthi mala or Ambukuthi hills, 10 kms from Sultan Bathery in the Wayanad district.
The caves are located at a height of 1000m on Ambukutty Mala near Ambalavayal which can be accessed only by a 1 km trek from the place Edakkal. The trekking trail leading up to the caves is quite invigorating, owing to the lush greenery of the surrounding vicinity, the breathtaking views and the serene air around it. |
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The actual caves are formed by a natural process of a large split in a huge rock. Edakkal literally means 'a stone in between'. This stone or rather boulder forms the caves. Edakkal Caves are reputed to being one of the earliest centres of human habitation. Archaeologists consider these caves to be prehistoric shelter.
Exploring these caves is an adventure in itself. The cave is in two levels-the lower chamber and the higher chamber. There is an extensive collection of cave paintings inside. The sketches on the walls are very descriptive. These sketches may have been the handiwork of some of the tribal people of Wayanad. There are a number of legends from the epic Ramayana, associated with the caves. |
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Places to see |
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
15 kms from Kozhikode is the Wayanad Wildlife sanctuary which was established in 1973. |
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Pakshipathalam
Pakshipathalam is a hill resort with a wide range of birds and animals. This hill resort is located in the Brahmagiri hills which is near the borders of the Karnataka state. |
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Kuruvadweep
Close to Edakkal, Kuruvadwep is an island on the banks of the Kabani River. |
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How to Reach |
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By Air |
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The nearest airport is the Karipur airport. |
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By Rail |
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The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode. |
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By Road |
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Kozhikode is 97 kms away.
Karipur is 23 kms. |
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DYK |
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It is believed that the cave drawings, in the Edakkal caves are similar to the drawings found in rocky places in Africa. |
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The fascinating prehistoric rock etchings found on the walls of these caves have drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide. |
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The caves are identified as the site of Neolithic people. |
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The cave drawings were notably the first specimens of abraded drawings found in India. |
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