1.Munnar
Munnar is
a hill station in Kerala and in southern India. Munnar is located on the
Western Ghats, situated in the Idukki districtThe name Munnar is believed to
be derived from Malayalam words Munu (three) and aaru (river),
referring to the town's strategic location at the confluence of the
Madhurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers.The Munnar town is in Kannan Devan
Hills ( KDH ) Village in Devikulam taluk and is the largest panchayat in the
Idukki district having an area measuring nearly 557 km².The nearest major
railway stations are at Ernakulam and Aluva (approximately 120 km by
road). The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 140 km away.Munnar's
mesmerising greenery, mountain scenery, calmness and cool refreshing air attracts
honeymooners and tourists throughout the year. It is a weekend hideout location
for domestic tourists during summer season. Foreign travellers likes watching
the natural beauty of Kerala while the journey from Thekkady to Munnar.Munnar is at the confluence of three rivers. In Tamil, the word 'munnu' means "three" and 'aar' means "river". Hence "Munnar" is a shortened version of 'Munnu Aar'. The 3 mountain streams joining together here are Madurapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. Munnar is a commercial centre with one of the world's best tea estates. There are about 30 tea plantations in and around Munnar. Among these, majority of the plantations are owned by Tata Group's Kannan Devan Tea Estate. A visit to Munnar can witness the nurturing of tea in plantation to the process of manufacturing and packing. The tea estates, hills, lakes and forests inside Munnar area exposes it's beauty. The tea plants covered Munnar hills makes the feeling of seeing a wide green carpet.
How to
Reach Munnar
By Air:The nearest airport is Nedumbassery, Cochin.By Rail:Alwaye is the nearest railway station 130 km away from Munar, which is connected to all the major cities in India.
By Road:Munnar is accessible by road from most of the cities and town in Kerala. You can also reach Munnar form Coimbatore (248 kms. just 6 hrs away) and Madurai (165 kms just 5 hrs away) in TamilNadu. From cochin by 3.5 hrs.
2.Kovalam
Beach
Kovalam is famous for its beaches, among the most
pristine in India. Kovalam is extremely popular among westerners due to shallow
waters and low tidal waves. It is also one of the oldest tourist enclave in
India, which known among tourist circuit right in 1930s. Kovalam shot into
limelight in the early seventies with arrivals of the masses of hippies. That
started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of
the most important tourist destinations in all India- the Kovalam beach.
Kovalam was
brought to the public eye by Her Highness The Queen of Travancore Maharani
Sethu Lakshmi Bai decided to build a palace for herself at a rock top near the
beach, as her private residence better known as Haylcon Castle. Later, in 1936,
the next Queen, HH Karthika Thirunal choose this palace for her honeymoon with
her newly wed husband, 1st Prince GV Raja. It was Prince G.V Raja who found
immense tourist potentiality of the region and decided promote the region among
state guests, by inviting Thomas Cook & Sons- UK to develop the region. The
Maharaja of Travancore soon started hosting regular state banquets and
accommodation of his European guests in Kovalam Haylcon Palace. This made the
beach popular among European families living in nearby Madras and Bombay
Presidencies as well as elite Travancore families to spend their holidays.
Thus, the move helped to lay foundations of modern tourism industry in South
India. Post independent India, the beach was popular among Indians and few tourists.
It was 1970s, the hippie culture helped to revive the beach, with vast influx
of tourists, spending their wild holidays here. When Kerala government thought
of making tourism as a major industry, towards 1990s, Kovalam was the first
tourist destination to be highlighted and promoted. Today its an intentionally
renowned beach. 
How to Reach Kovalam Beach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) about 15kms from Kovalam.
By Rail: Thampanur railway station in Trivandrum is an important rail head of the Southern Railway and is well linked to major towns up country as well as within the State just 15 Kilometers from Kovalam.
By Road: Thiruvananthapuram the capital City of Kerala is easily accessible by road.
3.Athirapally
Waterfalls
The scenic beauty of Athirapilly waterfalls
presents a spectacular visual extravagance to visitors. A very popular picnic
spot, Athirapilly is located close to Chalakudy in Kerala. The falls are
located amidst dense forests and the entire region looks ‘picture-perfect’ in
every way. Athirapilly-Vazhachal waterfalls are situated on the edge Sholayar
forest ranges, just 5 kms apart.This sparkling cascade of silvery water, falls
from a height of approximately 80 mts to join the Chalakudy river below. You can
have a spectacular view from the top of the waterfalls when you walk through
the rock pathway that leads from the main entrance. And for those with an
adventurous streak, there is a fantastic view from the bottom of the waterfalls
which can be reached with a little bit of trekking on slippery mountain trails.
It’s a beautiful trail and you can relish the water from the falls sprinkling
all over you. The view of the entire landscape is amazing.But the falls can be treacherous, especially during the monsoons due to the slippery grounds, changing currents and the presence of huge rocks. So, enjoy the view, but be careful, all the same. Best Time to Visit Athirapilly Waterfalls is July to September. Unique attractions in and around Athirapilly Waterfalls are Chapra Falls (1.5 km away from Athirapilly), Vazhachal Falls (about 5 km from Athirapilly), Dream World Amusement Park (24 kms from Athirapilly) and Silver Storm Amusement Parks – (about 30 km from Athirapilly).
How to Reach Athirapally
Athirapally is on the road route connecting Tamilnadu and Kerala, and if you are coming from Tamilnadu you will witness much wildlife for the road is through the dense rain forest.The forest is rich in varities of wild life starting from the biggest- elephants , leapords, sambars, procupine, sloth bears, Nilgiri Langurs, deers, hornbills etc. Advisable to avoid the night journey through the road, for the wild life may or mayn't like you.
Cochin International airport is about 55 Kms from here. From Cochin town its about 78 Kms to Athirapilly.
4.Silent
Valley National Park
There is no other place as exotic and captivating
as Silent Valley National Park in Kerala. This beautiful Kerala national park
is a perfect holiday spot for adventure enthusiasts, nature observers and
wildlife aficionados. Travel to Silent Valley National Park Palakkad to
rendezvous with the wild. Extend out to 89 sq km of land in the Nilgiri Hills,
Silent Valley was noted as a national park in 1990. Silent Valley National Park Palakkad provides habitat to 26 species of mammals, 120 species of birds and 100 species of butterflies. This Kerala national park invites you to take in a world of wildlife experiences. During Kerala wildlife safari into the park, you will see four different types of vegetation. 110 types of plant that can be used for medicinal purpose are recorded at Silent Valley National Park.
As you travel to Silent Valley National Park Palakkad for wildlife safari, you might come across the endangered species of the Lion-tailed Macaque, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Nilgiri Tahr, Niligiri Langur, Peshwa's Bat and Hairy-winged Bat. Other animals include Tiger, Leopard, Jungle Cat, Small Indian Civet, Common Palm Civet, Sloth Bear, Sambar, Wild Boar, Gaur, Barking Deer and Porcupine.
Explore the deep dense forests of Silent Valley Park Kerala and enjoy bird watching. Nilgiri Wood-pigeon, Malabar Parakeet, White-bellied Treepie, Grey-headed Bulbul, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Broad-tailed Grassbird, Wynaad Laughing Thrush, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, White-bellied Shortwing, Nilgiri Flycatcher and Crimson-backed Sunbird are some of the endangered avifaunal species that can be found here. Travel to Silent Valley National Park and come closer to nature.
How to
Reach Silent Valley
By Air : The nearest airport is at Coimbatore (in neighbouring
Tamilnadu State), about 55 km and at Kochi.By Rail : Thrissur (24km) and Coimbatore ( 55km ) are the nearest railway stations for reaching the park. Palghat or Palakkad (80km)is also a convenient rail head.
By Road: Regular buses are available from Palakkad (80km) to Mukkali. Bus transport is only up to Mukkali, nearly 23 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered hiring a van or a jeep from Mukkali or on foot up to the source of Kunthi river, which flows through the valley before merging with the Bharathapuzha (Nila). Echippara is the headquarters of the sanctuary.
5.Sree
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most
famous Lord Vishnu Temples in Kerala, South India. Also known as Sree Ananda
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located inside East Fort, in
Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. Lord Vishnu is
enshrined here in the Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra),
lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. According to traditions, Sree
Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra (Moon
God) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas).Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu. Divya Desams are the holiest
abodes of the Lord Mahavishnu that are mentioned in the works of the Tamil
Azhvars (saints). Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also one of the seven
Parasurama kshetras in Kerala. The city of Thiruvananthapuram is named after
the Lord. The word Thiruvananthapuram literally means "The land of Sree
Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. The idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is made up of 12008
salagramams that compose the reclining lord. They are special because they are from
Nepal, from the banks of river Gandhaki and they were brought to the temple
with all pomp and gaiety on elephant top. On top of them "Katusarkara
Yogam", Navaratnams, a special Ayurvedic mix, was used to give a plaster.
Followers believe that the Lord has personally come in disguise and had saved
many times the Travancore Kingdom from the clutches of enemies.Around 90,000 crore worth treasure (Nidhi) has been found in the secret cellars of the famous Kerala Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu - Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). The 7 member paper appointed by the Supreme Court of India, has been preparing the list of valuable found in the cellars of Sri Padmanabhaswami Temple. The temple has 6 Secret Cellars (Nilavara – a place to keep assets safe) from Cellar A to Cellar F. Opening of each of these chambers is revealing a virtual treasure trove with precious diamonds, golden ornaments, emeralds, jewelleries, rare antique silver and brass platters and golden idols. An estimation of above 90,000 crore treasure was valued at the completion of the 6th day of valuing the assets of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.The main treasure found on the 6th day was a one foot (12 angulams) height golden idol of Lord Mahavishnu and a 30 kg golden ‘anki’. This golden idol of Lord Vishnu is believed to be the replica of the ‘utsava vigraham' used in the temple. The golden idol of Padmanabhaswamy studded with more than 1000 previous stones is valued to around Rs. 500 Crore. Another golden idol of Lord Sree Krishna was also found which weighs around 5 kg. Several golden coins were also unearthed yesterday which are believed to be issued during the reign of Krishnadeva Rayar in the 16th century AD. Numerous golden ornaments which were used to adorn the main deity were also found in the Vault marked A. Ornaments studded with emeralds were also found on Saturday. Numerous golden human figurine weighing 1 kg, golden bangles, golden rope, are other interesting treasure found in the Vishnu Temple. Another interesting finding was two coconut shells made of pure gold. One of this golden coconut shell was students with rare antique stones including emeralds and rubies.
How to Reach Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The airport is just 7 km from the temple.
By Rail: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station, just 1 km away from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. Trivandrum Central Railway Station is one of the major railway stations in Kerala, managed by Southern Railways. Himsagar Express (Kanyakumari - Kashmir), Rajdhani Express, Howrah Express, Sabari Express (Trivandrum – Hyderabad), and Guruvayur Express (Chennai – Guruvayoor) are some of the major trains passing through Trivandrum Railway Station.
By Bus: Thiruvananthapuram City Bus Station at East Fort is the nearest bus station to reach the temple. The City Bus Station is just a walking distance from the temple. Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station, situated opposite to the railway station, is just a kilometer away from the temple.
6.Ashtamudi Lake
Ashtamudi Lake, which flows through Kollam district of Kerala, is one of the largest and deepest wetland ecosystems. The lake is shaped like a palm tree or, as it is referred mostly by the locals, as an octopus. Ashtamudi literally means ‘Eight Coned’ in Malayalam. The name of the lake points towards the branched topography of the lake. It has a branched topography because of the streams and water rivulets flowing in it. Hence, it is also called the Gateway to Kerala backwaters. The lake is included in the list of wetlands of international importance after the report from the Ramsar Convention for its sustainable utilization and conservation. The shores of the lake pined with coconut groves forms a picture perfect view of the lake. Quilon is a major place located on the shore of the lake. The boat club which is situated on this shore of the lake provides ferry rides and house boats. Therefore, you can enjoy the serenity of lake to the fullest. The best part of the boat trip on this lake is that one can enjoy as well as learn a lot about the parts of the lake, which can not be accessed by any other means of transport.
Chinese fishing nets too are major attractions of this lake, as these nets are quite old and are not to be seen at most parts of the world. Fishing with the help of these nets is quite a remarkable experience. Apart from the house boats, the traditional gondolas are the means of transport on the lake. For the natives who live by the shores of the lake this lake is the only route for transportation. One can observe the natives going out for petty works like grocery shopping and going to school on these small traditional boats. Accessing the city is quite easy, as the place is well connected to major places nearby with the help of a network of well linked roads. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport which is located 71 km from the lake. If one is interested in exploring the real India the best option is taking a train journey to your destination. The nearest railhead is Thiruvananthapuram. If one ever gets a chance to visit this place one can not miss visiting Ashtamudi Lake.
How to Reach Ashtamudi lake
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International and Domestic Airport 76 km away from the city.
Nearest Railway Station: Kollam is connected to most Indian cities and is on the railway routes. The city's main station is Kollam Junction.
7.Bekal
Fort
Bekal Fort is one of the largest preserved forts
in Kasargod district of Kerala. The fort gets its uniqueness quotient from its
exotic structure, which is shaped in the form of a keyhole. It was exclusively
meant for the purpose of providing defense to the territory. Bekal Fort is
prominent, because unlike most of the Indian forts, this monument does not have
a palace or a mansion. For that matter, even the remains of any such structure
cannot be found in Bekal Fort. The holes which are made on the outer walls of
the structure are specially designed, so that the fort could be defended in
case of a war. The holes on top are designed to aim at the farthest enemy,
while the holes which are lower on the wall are for striking when the enemy is
approaching. This shows how much time and hard work was spent in forming the
design of the Fort. During Kolathiri kingdom's reign, Vekkolath Fort was
identified by a number of scholars as the Bekal Fort. It is supposed that later
the Bednore rulers rebuilt the fort and heavy renovations were done to improve
it. Bekal Fort has supposedly served the Nayakas in establishing their
dominance in the then called Malabar region. Later, the Nayakas found out the
economic importance of the port and hence, they fortified the Bekal Fort
subsequently. The renovations of Bekal Fort were started during the reign of Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka. The renovations were finished during the period of Shivappa Nayaka - both of these rulers were of the Nayaka clan. The Nayakas needed the speedy completion of Bekal Fort's construction, so that they could use it for the defense of the port and also to curb any other overseas attack on the Malabar territory. For the same reasons, Chandragiri Fort was also erected by the Nayakas.
Later on, Bekal Fort came under the majestic Tippu Sultan when he led a great military expedition to add the Malabar to his territory. Excavations were done in and near Bekal Fort, which led to the discovery of a number of coins and other artifacts that support the fact that the Bekal fort remained under the rule of a number of Sultans of Mysore. After the death of Tippu at the Anglo-Mysore war, the Fort came under the influence of British East India Company. Nowadays, the protection and maintenance has been undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India.The main attraction of Bekal fort is its architecture. The Fort has been constructed, keeping in mind its military importance. There is a unique secret tunnel end inside the fort, which eventually leads to the outside wall of the fort facing the Arabian Sea. The fort is built in such a manner that three-fourth of the exterior is drenched and the citadel is continuously stoked by sea waves. The fort was strategically built at this place. It has zigzag entrance, which kept the enemy under a watch for longer period of time. The trenches are purposely made to secure the fort. There is a sea bastion which is located on the rocky projection. From the west side of the fort, one can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and the beach.
How to Reach Bakal Fort
By Air: Nearest airports are at Mangalore (50 km); Karipur International Airport, Calicut (Kozhikode) International Terminal (180 km).
By Rail: On the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route. Enquiry Ph: 430200.
By Road: There are regular buses every 30 minutes from Kanjagad to Bekal. An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
8.Agasthyakoodam
Agathiyarkoodam has the largest biodiveristy
in Asia. The lower elevations of this peak are also known for their abundance
of rare herbs and medicinal plants. Around 2,000 medicinal plants used in
Ayurvedic treatments are found here. Europeans, particularly those from
England, were the first to establish tea gardens around the base stations of
the mountain at Brimore, Bonacaud, and Ponmudi.The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve harbours rare flora and fauna. Tourists are permitted to the area only with permission from the forest department of Kerala. Annual trekking passes to the peak are issued from the forest department during January–February only.
Agastyakoodam (Agastya Malai), a towering forested peak of 1868 metres, and adjoining forests in the tail end of Western Ghats form the most diverse and unknown ecosystem in Peninsular India. These forests, falling in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts of Kerala and the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu habours many endemic species of plants that are unique to peninsular India.
The undulating hills of these area, especially those at lower elevations, are also known for their abundance of medicinal plants. A sizable proportion of around 2000 medicinal plants used in the traditional systems of medicine are found here.
The floristically rich forests of Agastyakoodam and environs cover about 1300 square km. Of these, approximately 350 square km are climax vegetation. The forest types include the southern tropical wet evergreen forest, the tropical moist deciduous forest, the southern tropical dry deciduous forest, the southern tropical thorn forest and the subtropical montane forest (locally known as the sholas). Thus almost all types of vegetation found in the Western Ghats occur here.
The exposed rock faces of these mountains are 450 to 2000 million years old. Vegetation here had originated much before that of the Himalayas in the north of India. Of more than 2000 vascular plants found in this region, more than 150 are endemic. As many as 35 of these plants are categorised as threatened or endangered. Some of the forested mountain ranges are yet to be fully explored. In the last two decades alone, more than 25 new varieties of plants had been discovered from these areas.
The biodiversity of the region is enhanced by the altitudinal variations. Forests occur in the altitudinal range of less than 300 metres to more than 2800 metres. In fact, the Kallar valley on the North-west of the Agasthyakoodam is one of the few remaining forested valleys below the 300 metre level in the southern tip of Indian Peninsula. The high elevation shola grasslands, on the otherhand, is unmatched in its richness of flora and fauna. They occur as an expanse around the Agasthyakoodam and also Mahendragiri and Kakkachi, two other mountains in the region. The trees here are stunted, owing to the high velocity winds lashing these mountain peaks, and often covered with lichens, mosses and ferns. These forests act as a "green house" for a wide variety of orchids, parasites and other plants.
A tribe called 'Kanis', living in these forests, are aware of generally unknown medicinal uses of some of these plants. For example, a plant known as Arogya Pacha (Tricopus zeylanicus) is used by them as a rejuvenating medicine. The wild tobacco plant (Lobelia nicotinaefolia) is used by them to heal wounds.
Of the 1300 square km of forests, more than 1000 square km are now protected areas (wildlife sanctuaries of Neyyar, Peppara, Chenthuruny, Munduthurai and Kalakkad). However, the peak and its environs are under constant threat of from pilgrims, tourists, trekkers, poachers, cattle grazing and illegal cutting and collection of trees and plants. The annual pilgrimage takes place in summer.
How to Reach Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve
If you plan to take the trek, your journey starts at Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station (KSRTC, Thampanoor Bus Terminal). The first direct State bus to Bonacaud starts at 5 a.m. The next best option is to take a bus to Vithura, a small town a few kilometers away from Bonacaud, and get to Bonacaud in a private vehicle. A 15 minute walk from Bonacaud bus stop will take you to the Forest Office, which is the entry point to Agasthyarkoodam Biosphere Reserve. After registering your details and checking the permit passes, you will be frisked for hidden bottles of liquor as alcohol is banned in the forest. You can buy food from the office.
How to obtain Pass?
The wild life Warden, Forest Department, PTP Nagar, Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, India.
Tel: 0091 471 2360762
9.Alapuzha
Alappuzha or Alleppey, with its
labyrinth, of canals, bridges along silver beach, makes for a memorable
holiday. Its cheerful people add to the town's charm. Alappuzha offers
enjoyable boat cruises to Kollam along the scenic Vembanad Lake. The
never-ending panorama of lush green paddy fields, towering coconut trees,
shimmering water and long canals around Alappuzha make a delightful setting for
the town. Today Alappuzha has grown in importance as a backwater tourist centre, attracting several thousands of foreign tourists each year. Alappuzha is also famous for its boat races, houseboat holidays, beaches, marine products and coir industry. A singular characteristic of this land is the region called Kuttanad. The land of lush paddy fields, Kuttanad is called the rice bowl of Kerala and is one of the few places in the world where farming is done below sea level. During the 16th century small principalities like Kayamkulam (presently Karthikappally and Mavelikkara taluks), Purakkad which was often called Ambalappuzha or Chempakasseri (present Ambalappuzha and part of Kuttanadu taluk) Karappuram comprising two principalities called Moothedath and Iledath (present Cherthala taluk) emerged into power. In the same period, the Portuguese came into prominence in the political scene of this district and they built several churches of which churches located at Purakkad and Arthungal are wellknown.
In the 17th century, the Portuguese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district. As a result of several treaties signed between the Dutch and the kings of Purakkad, Kayamkulam and Karappuram, the Dutch built factories and warehouses in various places of the district for storing pepper, ginger,etc. In course of time they interfered in the political and cultural affairs of the district. It was at that time Maharaja Mathandavarma, the 'Master of Modern Travancore' interfered in the political affairs of those principalities.
How to Reach Alapuzha
By Air: Nearest international airports: Thiruvananthapuram (150km); Kochi (Nedumbassery - 85 km)
By Rail: The railway station is situated 5 km from the bus station and ferry station. (Enquiries. Ph: 2253965, 2253865)
Train Timings
Bangalore: 06.40, 18.10
Mumbai: 06:40, 12:50, 18:20
Chennai: 00:45, 06:00, 07:45, 09:20, 15:00, 18:10
New Delhi: 16.55, 18.30
Mangalore: 12:50, 18:20, 21:50
By Road: Alappuzha is connected by good motorable roads to all parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Bus Timings
Bangalore: 14.00 (17 hrs)
Coimbatore: 06.15 (7 hrs)
Kochi: Frequent buses (1½ hrs)
Thiruvananthapuram: Frequent buses (3 ½ hrs)
Kollam: Buses going to Thiruvananthapuram passes through Kollam (2 hrs)
There are also buses to Kottayam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Kozhikode.
10.Edakkal
Caves
The name “Edakkal” literally means
“a stone in between”, and this describes how the cave is formed by a heavy
boulder straddling a fissure in the rock. Inside the cave is on two levels, the
lower chamber measures about 18 feet long by 12 feet wide and 10 feet high and
can be entered through an opening of 5 x 4 feet. A passage opposite the
entrance leads upward to a small aperture in the roof through which one climbs
up to the next storey whose interior is about 96 feet long, 22 feet wide, and
18 feet high. Light enters the cave through a big gap at the right-hand corner
of the roof where the boulder does not touch the facing wall.A trek up the Ambukuthi hill near Ambalavayal takes you to the
neolithic cave site of Edakkal. Etchings found on the walls of these caves have
drawn the serious attention of archeologists and historians worldwide.The Edakkal Cave is located about 25km from Kalpetta is a 96ft long, 22ft wide and 30ft high cleft formed by the vertical split of a rocky mountain. The rock wall is etched with carvings depicting human and animal figures and objects of human use. These carvings speak of a highly civilized people of pre-historic age, and have drawn the serious attention of archaeologists and historians worldwide.
In 1894 then British Malabar Police superintendent F Foster found out rock tools used in neolithic era, when he was on his way for hunting. He also noticed Edakal caves after having an expedition there. He documented the pictures after having excavations. In 1984, State Archiology departement took over Edakkal caves and proclaimed it as a protected monument. Today it is a hub for many tourists,students and researchers . The hill is 4000 meters above sea level.
How to Reach Edakkal Caves
Edakkal is 6 km from Ambalavayal, 28 km from Kalpetta, 12km from Sulthan Bathery and 45 km from Mananthavady.In Kalpetta-Amabalvayal route it is 8 km from Kolagappara to Edakkal. 4km from Ayirakolly.
You can go to lower part of Ambukuthi hill via bus or car. From there one has to climb the rocks. Till mid way there are jeeps run by DTPC. The charge is Rs 40 for up and 30 for down. Upto 6 persons can travel in a jeep. Ticket counter is in the upper part. Fee for adults is Rs 10 and for kids Rs 5. Fee for camera is Rs 25 and viceo camera Rs 100. Taking pictures through mobile is not allowed.
