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Edakkal caves
11.6247° N, 76.2358° E
About
The Edakkal caves are two natural caves at a remote location at Edakkal, 25 km (15.5 mi) from Kalpetta in the Wayanad district of Kerala in India. They lie 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level on Ambukutty Mala, near an ancient trade route connecting the high mountains of Mysore to the ports of the Malabar Coast. Inside the caves are paintings believed to date to at least 6,000 BCE, from the Neolithic man, indicating the presence of a prehistoric settlement in this region. The Stone Age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from South India besides those of Shenthurini, Kollam, also in Kerala. The cave paintings of Shenthurini (Shendurney) forests in Kerala are of the Mesolithic era (middle stone-age).
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Earliest carvings
c. 6000 BCE
Later paintings
c. 1000 BCE
Modern discovery
1890
Possible Indus link identified
September 2009
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Environmental and Natural Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
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