Hidden around 1200m high in southeastern Wayanad's Ambukuthi Hills, the set of natural rock shelters known as Edakkal Caves (wayanad.gov.in; adult/child ₹50/30) shines a light on South India's prehistory. Etched into the stone walls here is a series of vivid Neolithic petroglyphs thought to date from between 6000 BCE and 1000 BCE, depicting human figures, hunting scenes, various animals, abstract patterns and inscriptions in Sanskrit and Tamil-Brahmi. See if you can spot an elephant or a peacock. There is usually an official guide in the main cave sharing details about the petroglyphs and the history of this space, which is thought to have been lived in at several different times. The cave etchings were put on today's world map in the 1890s, when a British police officer stumbled across them (with the help of local Adivasi communities).
Reaching the caves (closed Monday) involves a steep 1km, 15-minute walk up from a designated car park near Ambalavayal village (11km southwest of Sultanbatheri), then climbing 300 steps to enter the caves. Allow at least 45 minutes once you're past the ticket office; arrive early or last thing to beat the crowds; and skip busy weekends.
On a clear day there are exceptional views out over Wayanad district.
