Cheppara Caves: A Heaven For Every Nature And Photography Enthusiasts

Stunning lush view of a cave in Kerala, which is a must-visit destination for travellers.

Nestled in the tranquil landscapes of Kerala, Cheppara Caves unfold an ancient civilization and natural beauty. Cheppara Caves pictures capture the mystique of this hidden gem, showcasing its intriguing rock formations and archaeological significance. This place is a heaven for every nature and history buff. Intriguing rock formations and archaeological importance are the lines that define the aura of Cheppara Caves to the finest, offering an ideal retreat back in time. These caves, stretched amidst lush green surroundings and a serene environment, form the most unique combination of adventure and discovery.

Cheppara Caves Location

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Cheppara Caves are located about 20 km from Thrissur in Kerala and are surrounded by lush green surroundings and serene landscapes of the countryside. The area surrounding the caves is of captivating beauty with dense forests and rolling hills. These caves form a part of land soaked in history and culture.

Suggested Read: Top Caves In Kerala

How To Reach Cheppara Caves

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Getting to Cheppara Caves is not much of a hassle owing to its connectivity.

By Road: The caves are well connected by roads. You may hire a bus or drive to the place from the city of Thrissur, about 20 km away.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Thrissur, from where one hires a taxi or takes a bus directly to the caves.

By Air: The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, located at a distance of about 80 km from the caves. From the airport, hire a taxi or board a bus to Thrissur and go to the caves by road.

Places To Visit In And Around

Apart from the majestic Cheppara caves, here are some of the best places to visit around for travellers to discover Kerala’s rich blend of nature, culture, and local charm.

1. Poomala Dam

Poomala Dam is one of the best places to visit around Cheppara Caves for all travellers.

Photo: Jaseem Hamza / Wikimedia Commons

Located close to the Cheppara Caves, Thrissur, it is a serene place, ideal for nature lovers and picnickers. The dam itself is superbly located with scenic views and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal location for spending the day lazily.

Distance From The Caves: 5 km

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Kerala To Experience God’s Own Country

2. Athirappilly Waterfalls

Athirappilly Waterfalls is one of the most stunning places to visit near Cheppara Caves.

Photo: Pranchiyettan / Wikimedia Commons

Located near Cheppara Caves, Athirappilly Waterfalls is a real wonder and is famously referred to as the “Niagara of India.” It is one of the largest waterfalls in Kerala, surrounded by lush green meadows, which offer breathtaking views. The thick forest encircling the waterfall is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna.

Distance From The Caves: 69 km

3. Vadakkunnathan Temple

Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the most religious places to visit around Cheppara Caves.

Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons

Vadakkunnathan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the oldest temples in Kerala renowned for its amazing architecture and unique built of wood and stone.

Distance From The Caves: 16 km

Suggested Read: Top Kerala Temples That You Must Explore In God’s Own Country

4. Vilangan Hills

Explore the majestic Vilangan Hills, one of the places to visit around Cheppara Caves.

Photo: Shijan Kaakkara / Wikimedia Commons

Vilangan Hills is a great place for hiking, camping, and nature walks. From the top of the hill, you can see all of Thrissur town, and the peaceful atmosphere and fresh air are great for relaxing. It has many viewing points with beautiful views of the surrounding areas. “Asoakvanam,” a medicinal plant park built with help from the Kerala Medicinal Plants Board, is also in Vilangan Hills.

Distance From The Caves: 20 km

5. Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the majestic Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the places to visit around Cheppara Caves.

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Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush forest area close to Thrissur that is famous for having a lot of different kinds of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The park is based on the Peechi Dam and lets you watch wildlife, go hiking, and go boating. Ecotourists and wildlife photographers can find peace and quiet in the sanctuary, which has well-kept trails that wind through dense forests.

Distance From The Caves: 25 km

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6. Pathazhakundu Dam

An image of Pathazhakundu Dam surrounded by lush greenery and calm waters.

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Near Thrissur, Pathazhakundu Dam is a famous place for tourists to visit because of its peaceful lake and lush vegetation. The dam is a peaceful place to have a picnic, take a wildlife walk, or take pictures. Because it’s not too busy, it’s a great place for people who want to be alone in nature. The dam helps with watering in the area and is an important part of keeping water from running off.

Distance From The Caves: 18 km

7. Wadakkanchery Town

Uthralikavu Bhagavathy Temple at Wadakkanchery in Thrissur District of Kerala, India.

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Wadakkanchery is a cultural and commercial centre in the Thrissur district. It has markets, shops, and restaurants that show the way of life in the area. People come to the town as a starting point for trips to nearby natural and cultural sites. Kerala’s rich history can be seen through its many unique festivals and events.

Distance From The Caves: 12 km

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8. Thrissur City

A glimpse of Thrissur Pooram is one of Kerala’s grandest and most vibrant temple festivals.

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Thrissur City, which is also called the “cultural capital of Kerala,” is known for its big festivals like Thrissur Pooram. The city also has many temples, museums, and historical sites, such as the Sakthan Thampuran Palace. Thrissur is a busy city that combines a lot of history and culture with new technology. Visitors to Cheppara Caves often extend their trips to explore Thrissur’s iconic religious sites, art galleries, and bustling markets.

Distance From The Caves: 15 km

Where To Stay

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When visiting Cheppara Caves, one can get various options for accommodation in and around Thrissur, suiting the budget and other preferences. For a luxurious stay, consider Joys Palace, which offers premium amenities and comfort. The medium-range ones are the Dass Continental which provides a decent stay with all basic facilities in place. Budget travellers would prefer Hotel Luciya Palace because it offers more pocket-friendly rates against reasonably good service.

Where To Eat

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Thrissur has different restaurant options to have good Kerala and other Indian food. Probably, the Indian Coffee House would be the best option where traditional Kerala food and various snack items are on the menu at very reasonable prices. Currently, vegetarian dishes in Hotel Bharat taste nice with much variety of South Indian cuisine. To try out a varied menu, come to Dhe Puttu, which has a rich history of traditional and current cuisines in a very unique atmosphere.

Suggested Read: Best Food In Kerala

Best Time To Visit

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The best time to visit the Cheppara Caves is from October to March. These are the months that offer fine weather, with low temperatures and low rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the caves and nearby attractions. Visiting during the winter months ensures an enjoyable and comfortable experience, allowing you to appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance of Cheppara Caves without discomfort. If you’re planning your trip, keep in mind the Cheppara Caves timings, which are 6 AM to 7 PM, providing ample time for visitors to explore and photograph the unique landscape.

Other Factors To Consider

Other factors to consider while travelling to Cheppara Caves such as costs and tips.

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Average Cost Of The Trip

Access to Cheppara Caves would cost around ₹2000-4000 per person, with transportation, accommodation, and food taken care of.

Tips For Travellers

  • Wear walking shoes or comfortable footwear.
  • You should carry a bottle of water and a little snack.
  • Take the help of a guide to understand things in more detail.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala In May

Cheppara Caves offers a unique and enriching experience, combining natural beauty with historical intrigue. Whether one is interested in history, nature, or a quiet retreat, these caves are the ideal destination. Certainly, with their fascinating rock formations amidst serene surroundings, Plan a visit to these Cheppara Caves with TripXL, for an unforgettable journey into the past, set against the stunning landscape views of God’s own country, Kerala.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cheppara Caves are famous for their ancient rock form and archaeological significance.
The entrance to Cheppara Caves is free.
Places nearby include the Poomala Dam, Athirappilly Waterfalls, and Vadakkunnathan Temple.
One can easily reach Cheppara Cave by road, train, or air; the nearest railway station and airport are Thrissur and Cochin respectively.
The best time would be from October to March when the climate is at its best.
Cheppara caves have Megalithic burial rooms called "dolmens" or "Muniyara", which are believed to be around 6000 years old. They are considered historical mausoleums with cultural significance and said to be used by sages for meditation.
Trekking, taking pictures, discovering the caves and dolmens, watching the sunset, and standing on top of the hill to get a view of Wadakkanchery and Thrissur city are all popular things to do at the caves.
Yes, visitors can park their cars at the spot, which is helpful for people who are travelling by private vehicle.
Yes, families often visit with children, and the open rocks are where kids can walk and play. But the edges can be sharp, so kids must be supervised at all times.

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