Edakkal cave was located in Ambukuthi Mala, the tallest mountain in the district of Wayanad. Upon reaching the parking at the base of the hill where Edakkal Caves was located you can already spot several shops selling souvenir and food items.
We started to walk from the parking area to reach the base of the hill where the cave was located. The trek uphill was difficult.While I knew I can do it, but I was also aware that it would be challenging. While doing the trek, I thought that my lungs would simply give in. What was aggravating was that everyone said that the climb was 1km, when it was clearly more. But thanks to laughter and fun. In fact was even able to manage to crack a few jokes while trekking.
After getting our ticket, we start climbing the steeper steps towards Edakkal Caves. There were some reminders at the base that the track was not recommended for people with heart problems.
Reaching the cave was very rewarding. Before getting into the cave, I pause and took a time to marvel the beautiful vista offered by the place from the top.
The Edakkal Cave Structure
The name of Edakkal Caves literally means `a stone in between’. As the name indicates, it seems that one large rock stuck over between two big boulders ones to create a cave. Experts are of the opinion that Edakkal Caves is not a cave in the real sense. It is a fissure in the rocks which had been created due to natural causes/ changing climatic conditions. According to our guide, the split in the rock is about 22 ft. in width and 96 ft. in length. The depth of the cleft extends to over 30 ft. Mild sun rays penetrating into it make the place even more beautiful.
Edakkal Caves Rock Engravings
The walls of Edakkal Caves were covered with various engravings, prehistoric line drawings. These markings were representations that the caves were occupied by various sets of people during various stages of history. There was a guide inside who talks about these etchings, but he speaks too fast and with a low voice so it was quite difficult to understand.
Three distinct sets of petroglyphs can be seen in the caves and some depictions are as old as 7000 years. It is said that Edakkal Caves is the only known place for stone age carvings in South India. The guide further added that the carvings belonging to the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age include ancient stone scripts, ancient weaponry figures, symbols, figures of various animals and human beings etc.
Some images of a tribal king, a queen, a child, a deer and an elephant on the wall. A human figure with headgear, another on a wheeled cart and some male and female figures too can be seen. All these symbols suggest the presence of prehistoric men.
Edakkal Caves Rock Engravings
The walls of Edakkal Caves were covered with various engravings, prehistoric line drawings. These markings were representations that the caves were occupied by various sets of people during various stages of history. There was a guide inside who talks about these etchings, but he speaks too fast and with a low voice so it was quite difficult to understand.
Three distinct sets of petroglyphs can be seen in the caves and some depictions are as old as 7000 years. It is said that Edakkal Caves is the only known place for stone age carvings in South India. The guide further added that the carvings belonging to the Neolithic and Mesolithic Age include ancient stone scripts, ancient weaponry figures, symbols, figures of various animals and human beings etc.
Some images of a tribal king, a queen, a child, a deer and an elephant on the wall. A human figure with headgear, another on a wheeled cart and some male and female figures too can be seen. All these symbols suggest the presence of prehistoric men.
Courtesy: Internet
No comments:
Post a Comment