Edakkal Caves Northern Kerala

These remote hilltop 'caves' – more accurately a small series of caverns – are celebrated for the ancient collection of petroglyphs in their top chamber, thought to date back over 3000 years. From the car park near Ambalavayal (12km southwest of Sultanbatheri) it's a steep 20-minute walk up a winding road to the ticket window, then another steep climb up to the light-filled top cave. On a clear day there are exceptional views out over Wayanad district. The caves get crowded on weekends.