Edakkal Caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal

Edakkal Caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India's Western Ghats. Inside the caves are pictorial writings believed to be dated from at least 5000 BC, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric civilization or settlement in this region.

Edakkal is a remote location in Wayanad district of Kerala, India, the site of the Edakkal Caves. The tallest mountain in the district, Ambukuthi mala, is located here. Above the caves one can get a spectacular view of the mountainous junction of the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The nearest major town is Sulthan Bathery that is around 12 km away, while the closest urban centre is Ambalavayal that is located at a distance of 4 km.

Edakkal Caves

Three pre-historic caves known as the Edakkal Caves, dating from at least 5000 BC, had been discovered on Ambukuthi mala. There are stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves. In late 2007, a major effort had been initiated by several archaeologists - both Indian and Western to have the UNESCO declare the site of the Edakkal Caves a World Heritage Centre. There are seemigly different sets of works. The older group of cave paintings and engravings, going back at least 7000 years, depict pre-historic tribal chieftains, elephants, queens and tools. A less ancient script from the 3rd or 4th century BC is also seen in the complex of caves.