Kerala Tourism Launches Project to Enhance Amenities at Edakkal Caves

• 25 Oct 2023

Recently, Kerala Tourism has initiated a ₹2.9-crore project aimed at enhancing civic amenities surrounding the renowned Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, celebrated for its prehistoric rock art.

Key Points

• Preserving Cultural and Historical Significance: The project, granted administrative approval by the government, reflects the growing importance of Wayanad as a prominent tourism destination.
• Significance: Edakkal Caves, situated at an altitude of 3,900 feet on the Ambukuthi hills, are renowned for their Neolithic-era pictorial writings, believed to date back to at least 6,000 BCE.
• The caves feature depictions of human and animal figures, symbols, and letters, making them of immense historical and cultural significance.
• Enhancing the Visitor Experience: The objective of this project is to create an enjoyable and enriching experience for tourists visiting Edakkal Caves.
• The works will include the construction of concrete roads, installation of paver blocks, platform renovation, handrails, seating arrangements, gateway construction, electrification, and landscaping.
• Additionally, three CCTV cameras will be installed to enhance security.
• Timely Completion: The project is slated for completion within 18 months, as per a recent government order.
• The Department of Tourism recognized the site's potential to attract visitors but emphasized the need for improved infrastructure.
• Edakkal Caves are located 12 kilometers southwest of Sulthan Bathery, nestled along the Western Ghats.