Ambukuthi mala

Ambukuthi mala is a mountain in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. It is 12 km from Sulthan Bathery and near Ambalavayal. Three pre-historic caves (Edakkal Caves) are located at a height of 1,000 metres on Ambukuthi mala. You have to get down at Edakkal and do a 1 km trekking to reach these caves.This Edakkal cave is said to be formed as a result of earthquake and the name is derived from the rock that is supported in between other larger rocks (Edai + Kal = rock in between). One can see the new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves.

The cave drawings are as old as 8000 years, and depict pictures of ancient tribal chieftains, elephants, queens and tools. A slightly less ancient script from the 3rd or 4th century BC is also seen in the caves which, thankfully, is impeccably maintained.

The 1 km trekking is a neatly laid concrete road, quite steep at places. The distance may seem longer than the stated 1 kilometre. The jeep service available there (Rs 40 if you want to hire the entire jeep for the short 3-minute uphill journey from the Parking Area to the ticket counter, and Rs 30 downhill) should help you reach the ticket counter at the top. From there it’s a 200 meters trek to reach the "pre-historic caves". 100 meters above the caves is the spectacular view of the junction of "Kerala", "Karnataka" and "Tamil Nadu" borders through the forests ("though a little tough to trek for normal people provides a beautiful view of the junction").

The trek is not easy, and is quite steep. The Tourist Department has set up ladders at places, but they would only freak one out further. At places the climb could be slippery, and could seem unending. But the trek is work the effort.

No food products are allowed beyond the ticket counter, and tickets cost Rs 10 per adult and Rs 5 for a child. Thankfully, no discrimination against non-Indians (as is prevalent elsewhere in tourist spots in India) exists, and everyone pays the standard rates. Photography is at nominal costs too, at Rs 10 for a still camera. Tourists are allowed to carry only water bottles and all food materials are confiscated at the ticket counter. This region is a plastic free zone, but quite a few mindless people have littered bottles all over the place.

The Caves open for public viewing at 08:30 and close by 16:30. One could still go up to the Main Cave till 17:30 IST, but without the trek up to the view point, the whole trip is meaningless. So, it is better to be at the ticket counter by 15:00 IST if one desires to have the view of the three states borders.

The only refreshments come from a handful of tiny shops peppered around the 1-km walk to the ticket counter. These serve tea, coffee, juices, tender coconut, snacks (chips, ground-nut, etc) and cut fruits like pineapple.

For someone based in Kalpetta, a trip to Edakkal Caves would take a minimum of half a day. So, plan accordingly. Tourists might also want to club the close by places around Ambalavayal - Edakkal Heritage Museum, Phantom Rock and the ancient Jain Temple while planning a visit to the Caves.