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Kerala is a unique state with its scenic beauty. Kerala is famous for different geographical features such as beaches, rainforests, hills, mountains and various historical sites. Kerala caves are among the most underappreciated features that remain unexplored. One who loves to spend time in nature and is fond of history and ancient architecture should visit these caves. There are various historical caves in Kerala such as Edakkal caves, Pandavan rocks etc. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 caves found in the state of Kerala.
Top 12 Caves In Kerala
When it comes to visiting caves, Kerala has unique and beautiful caves in India. Now without further ado, let’s explore the caves in Kerala.
1. Edakkal Cave
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Edakkal Cave is located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. This cave is famous for its rock engravings on the walls of the cave. It is among the historical caves in Kerala that date back to the prehistoric era and offer insights into the life of the earliest humans in the subcontinent. One can reach the Edakkal cave while trekking in the forests, and then, you will come across rock engravings of humans and animals, which also date back to the prehistoric age. Like many other dangerous caves in Kerala, Edakkal requires careful trekking due to its rugged terrain and natural conditions.
Location: Nenmeni, Kerala 673595
Timings: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kerala To Experience God’s Own Country
2. Pandavan Para
Photo: Dvellakat / Wikimedia Commons
It is among the famous caves in Kerala and is located near the Chengannur town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, and is the most popular and most visited destination. This cave holds a special connection with the Indian epic Mahabharata. At the top of the hill, a temple is also located, which is dedicated to the Pandavas, and the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Krishna. Additionally, you will also witness fascinating rock structures with unique shapes here.
Location: Chengannur, Kerala 689121
Timings: 24*7
3. Muniyara Saints Cave
Photo: Hrishikesh.kb / Wikimedia Commons
This cave is a rock-cut architecture, it is believed that it has been carved from a single large rock in the Neolithic age. It is more than 10,000 years old. Muniyara Cave is the best example of rock-cut architecture in Kerala. There are different kinds of carvings on the wall. Local tribes used to worship ancient deities here. Moreover, this cave is a must-visit destination for a history lover.
Location: Vellappara, near Forest Quarters, Idukki, Vellappara, Kerala 685602
Timings: 24*7
4. Nelliyampathy Cave
Photo: Farhan faris / Wikipedia / Image For Representation Only
Nelliyampathy is a hill station and cave group in Kerala, one of the many beautiful places to visit in Kerala. Nelliyumpathy is regarded as the ‘poor man’s Ooty’ because of the affordability of the hill station. Also, humans used these caves for hunting animals in ancient times. At the Nelliyampathy hill, you will enjoy the confluence of the river, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Often, it is called the heaven of Kerala.
Location: Nenmara, Kerala
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Palakkad For Your Next Vacation
5. Cheppara Caves
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Cheppara is a beautiful destination located on the top of a hill. Its lush green area attracts lots of tourists. It is just 1-hour drive away from Thrissur district of Kerala. Its scenic beauty gives positive vibes and calmness to all the tourists. Watching the sunset here gives amazing vibes to people and it should be a must-visit for photogenic people. Moreover, there is no entry fees to visit this place.
Location: 15 km
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Thrissur For A Fun Filled Vacation
6. Kalladanthyil Natural Caves
Photo: Joanna Zduńczyk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kalladanthyil natural caves are abodes of peace. They have evolved over the course of millions of years. It’s a stunning building created using natural geological elements. The cave’s walls are sculpted by erosion, water, and other natural processes. This place provides a peaceful environment and to reach here, you have to trek which gives a soothing experience. You can also book a guide from here to better understand the history of the caves.
Location: Kunchithanny Pottankad Rd, Pottankadu, Kerala 685565
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
7. Munimada Caves
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Munimada is an archaeological site near Ariyannur, Kerala. This site is a group of small caves. Rishis are believed to have worshipped here and built these small caves for meditation. The cave’s underground construction and the stairs made of rocks are unique features. Here is clear evidence of the Brahmin settlement. Moreover, Munimada showcases the ancient lifestyle of Rishis, and anyone interested in history should visit.
Location: Kandanissery, Mattom, Kerala 680102
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Amazing Things To Do In Kerala
8. Kottukal Cave Temple
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Kottukal Cave is a Hindu temple cave located in Kerala. It is also known as Kaltrikkovil among the locals. Kottukal cave temple is a good example of the rock-cut architecture built between the 6th and 8th centuries. Moreover, the construction of this temple involved the cutting of a single large rock and the complex has two caves. The larger one features lord Shiva in the form of linga and Nandi, whereas, the smaller cave has an idol of lord Hanuman.
Location: Kottukkal, Kerala 691306
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
9. Pakshipathalam Cave
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Among the best caves in Kerala is Pakshipathalam Cave, which is located in the Brahmagiri Hills in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will love this cave because it is home to many rare and threatened bird species and has a lot of different kinds of plants and animals. Local stories say that deep rock caves in the area were used as homes by ancient sages like Narada and even the Pandavas. Trekking to Pakshipathalam involves covering about 17 km through forest trails, often requiring permission from the Forest Department.
Location: Thirunelly, Kerala 571250
Timings: 8 AM – 9 PM
10. Kotthavalam Cave
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Kottathavalam Cave is a historical and beautiful place known for its ancient rock cuts. It is on top of Murugan Hills near Vagamon in Kottayam, Kerala. People think that the royal family of Madurai stopped in the cave to rest on their way to Poonjar. On the walls, there are interesting carvings and sculptures of Hindu gods like Madurai Meenakshi, Ayyappa, Murugan, and Kannaki. Rock-cut steps lead into the cave, which adds to the exciting feel of the place, making it one of the popular caves in Kerala.
Location: Vagamon, Kerala 686512
Timings: 24*7
11. Nityanandashram Caves
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The Nityanandashram Caves, sometimes called the Hosdurg Caves, are a lovely collection of 44 intricately carved caves set on a single laterite hillock in Kanhangad, Kerala, close to the famous Hosdurg Fort. Swami Nityananda designed and built these caves between 1931 and 1943 as a place for spiritual rest and meditation. Unique rock formations are said to feel like they’re “breathing,” warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Overlooking these caves is the Nithyananda Temple, which was built in 1963 and has a big Panchaloha figure of Swami Nityananda in the Abhaya mudra.
Location: Hosdurg, Kanhangad, India
12. Ezhuthupara Cave
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Ezhuthupara, which is also called Thovarimala Ezhuthupara, is a rock shelter in Wayanad, Kerala, that is famous for the petroglyphs, or ancient rock drawings, that are found there. These carvings, which date back to at least 1000 BCE, are one of the most important historical finds in the area. The carvings show different geometric patterns, symbols, and figures of people and animals, showing how old communities practised rituals and kept their culture alive. Thus, making it one of the best places to visit in Kerala with family.
Location: Wayanad, Kerala, India
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Caves in Kerala are very diverse comprising rock-cut structures and temples. Visiting these caves would not only enrich your knowledge and make you wonder how people used to inhabit them, but the treks to these caves through forests will also fill you up with a sense of adventure. Generally, the caves in Kerala timings vary, so it’s advisable to check in advance before planning your visit. So, plan a trip with TripXL and experience a unique blend of history and nature.
Cover Photo: Prasad0224 / Wikimedia Commons
