23rd June 2019.
The main purpose of this visit was to see the 6000 years old pre historic Petroglyph or the engravings of Edakkal Caves in Kerala. These two Caves are on the Ambukuthi Hill near Ambalavayil in Wayanad District of Kerala State erstwhile Malabar State, which is about 12 KM from Sultan Bathery. The site consists of Two caves one above the another at a height of 1200 meters above MSL. The visit to the bottom cave was closed. The top cave was formed by three rocks ( Two rocks and a big rock in between ) hence called as Edakkal ( idaikal –இடைக்கல் ). As per the legend this Hill Ambukuthi hill was formed by shooting of arrows by Sri Ram’s sons Lava & Kusha. And the Surpanakai was killed in this hill by Sri Ram.
The Caves has the engravings / Petroglyph of Neolithic period. Experts of the opinion that these Petroglyph belongs to 6000 BCE. The petroglyph depicts the human beings, animals like Elephants, hand tools, symbols, etc. It throws light on the culture and habits of Neolithic human beings. This petroglyph is the largest one in South India.
In addition to the Petroglyph, Old Tamizhi ( Brahmi – 1800 years old ), Sanskrit and Vattezhuthu ( 6th Century ) inscriptions are found. The 12th to 14th Century Tamil inscription reads as “Palpuli Thathakari” ( பல்புலிதத்தகாரி )( There is a place called Pupally in Wayanad District ). The Tamizhi ( Brahmi ) inscription says as “Chera“ (“கடுமி புதசேர”) ( This place was known as Chera Nadu before 14th Century). Archaeologist Natana Kasinathan identified “O Pazhami “ ( ஒ பழமி ) (means “பழையோள்” the earliest Tamil Goddess ) as Tamil inscription. In 2012 a Tamil Brahmi / Tamizhi inscription was also identified.
This cave was identified in 1890 AD, by F Fawcett, Superintendent of Police of erstwhile Malabar District. In addition to the masonry steps Stainless steel steps are provided to climb up the hill.
CAUTION:
The visiting of Caves is the combination trekking on the hill and climbing of stainless steel steps. Hence those who are suffering from Heart problems are advised not to venture.
CAVE VISITING HOURS:
The visitors are allowed between 08.00 hrs to 16.00 hrs and the holidays are All Mondays, Republic, May Day, Independence day, Gandhi Jayanthi and Thiruvonam.
HOW TO REACH:
The trekking distance is about 3 KM.
12 KM from Sultan Bathery
The Edakkal caves may be easily approached through Gundlupete ( Night hours are permitted travel on this road due to animal movement ) of Karnataka is 70 KM, Kozhikode 110 KM and 103 KM from 0oty.
An elephant
The neolithic tools
Edakkal - இடைகல்( the center one )
The Team
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
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