Wayanad is famous for its plantation, wildlife, waterfalls and historical caves. Among the places to visit in Wayanad, is the historical Ambukuthi Mala. Located 12kms from Sulthan Bathery near Ambalavayal. It’s a beautiful mountain with an amazing sunset view, situated at a height of about 1000 meters above sea level. Those who visit Eddekal caves, also visit Ambukuthy Mala, which is a one-kilometer walk from Eddekal. As you scale Ambukuthy Mala, you can feel the aroma of coffee throughout.
The caves are believed to be formed as a result of earthquakes. Eddekal is made from two words, Edai and Kal meaning rock in between. You can find old and new stone age pictorial writing which is supposed to be more than 7000 years old which indicate the presence of prehistoric civilization this region and have caught attention to historians and acheologists. The stone age carvings of Edakkal are rare and are the only known examples from South India. The carvings are very captivating.
The pictorial carvings in the cave are from the Neolithic era include Prakrit Grantha encryption.The records are believed to be from the 5th and 6th century AD. The carvings have some connection to Indus Valley Civilization which connects to the north, north west and the west. Considered as one the earliest places of human habitats, the cave walls of the Edakkal cave are carved with ancient stone scripts and pictorial inscriptions of human and animal figures that belong to the Neolithic age. Edakkal caves were discovered by Fred Fawcett SP of Malabar District in 1896. Fred quickly realized their anthropological and historical significance. The place is also home to ancient burial spots.
There are many legendary stories and tales of these caves. Folklore associate the caves with Luv and Kush, the son of Lord Rama, who made the caves with their arrows and stayed in them with their mother Sita. Locals believe that the hill is in shape of a sleeping woman and the woman is Ravan’s sister Shurpnakha, whose nose was chopped off by Lakshaman. According to another story, Goddess Mudiampilly lives in the hills. It’s a pilgrimage for the devotees of the goddess.
There are many places to visit in Wayanad which have stories of Sita, mostly from the latter part of Ramayan, the Uttar Ramayan after Sita was asked to leave Ayodhya. There is a temple of Sita and the only temple of Luv and Kush in Pulpally which is 32 kms from Eddekal. Ashramankolli, where sage Valmiki stayed. Althara and Kannaram Puzha rivers have supposedly formed by Sita’s tears when she cried in solitude. At Eriyapalli, Sita found the villagers living in great hardships, so gave them a buffalo to start their livelihood. Eruma means buffalo. That’s how the place got it’s name.
Wayanad is a good place for trekking. If you love trekking and like discovering history of the places, you should visit Ambukuthu Mala. If you reach the top of the hill, you get to view of the junction of Kerala, Karanataka and Tamil Nadu borders through the rich forests.
Other places to visit in Wayanad near Ambukuthi Mala: Soochippara Waterfalls : A three tier waterfall with a mesmerizing background of tall deciduous, evergreen trees. Phantom Rock : Resembles a human skull , a few hundred metres trek is a scenic beauty. Wayanad Heritage museum : It’s the largest archeological museum in Kerala. Jain Temple : With peaceful atmosphere for meditation with strong jain roots in the region. Neelimala View Point : It offers a view of forest, landscape, and beautiful Meenmutty Waterfalls.
Eddekal caves and nearby places are great places to explore nature It’s a great trek and a wonderful way to connect with nature.
