Edakkal Caves Distance – Exact KM, Travel Time & Route Guide

The Edakkal Caves distance from Sulthan Bathery is approximately 12 kilometers by road from Sulthan Bathery. The journey takes around 25–30 minutes, followed by a 1-kilometer uphill trek to reach the caves. Located in Wayanad district, Kerala, Edakkal Caves are easily accessible by car or taxi.

Introduction

Did you know that prehistoric cave art older than the Egyptian pyramids sits just 12 kilometers from Sulthan Bathery, yet most travelers struggle to find the exact Edakkal Caves distance from their starting point? You’re not alone. Thousands of visitors lose precious vacation hours simply because they don’t have accurate distance and route information before starting their journey.

The Edakkal Caves distance varies dramatically depending on where you’re coming from. Whether you’re traveling from Wayanad town, Calicut, Bangalore, or Kochi, knowing the exact kilometers and realistic travel time helps you plan your day perfectly. This complete guide gives you exact distances, verified routes, and actual travel times so you can visit these ancient caves without any confusion.

Travel The World Today guides you in every stage of planning your Edakkal Caves adventure. You’ll discover not just the distances, but also the best routes, nearby attractions you can combine, and insider tips that make your journey smooth and memorable.

What Makes Edakkal Caves Worth the Journey?

Before we dive into distances, you need to understand why this journey matters. Edakkal Caves isn’t just another tourist spot. These caves contain Stone Age carvings dating back 6,000 years. The petroglyphs show human figures, animals, and symbols that archaeologists still study today.

The caves sit atop Ambukuthi Hill at 1,200 meters. After reaching the base parking area, you’ll trek approximately 1 kilometer uphill through dense forest. The climb takes 30-45 minutes, depending on your fitness level.

The view from the top stretches across Wayanad’s hills and valleys. On clear days, you can see the entire district spread below you. This combination of ancient history, adventure trekking, and stunning views makes every kilometer of the Edakkal Caves distance absolutely worthwhile.

Edakkal Caves Distance from Major Cities

Wayanad to Edakkal Caves Distance

The Wayanad to Edakkal Caves distance depends on which part of Wayanad you’re starting from. Wayanad is a district, not a single town. Most travelers use Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery as reference points.

From Kalpetta (Wayanad’s district headquarters):

• Distance: 25 kilometers
• Travel Time: 45-60 minutes
• Route: Kalpetta → Ambalavayal → Edakkal

From Sulthan Bathery:

• Distance: 12 kilometers
• Travel Time: 25-30 minutes
• Route: Sulthan Bathery → Ambalavayal Road → Edakkal Junction

Sulthan Bathery is your closest major town. Most hotels and resorts in Wayanad are located between Kalpetta and Sulthan Bathery, making the Edakkal Caves distance manageable for a morning or afternoon visit.

Calicut to Edakkal Caves Distance

From Kozhikode (Calicut):

• Distance: 95 kilometers
• Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours
• Route: Calicut → Thamarassery → Lakkidi → Kalpetta → Sulthan Bathery → Edakkal

This route takes you through the Thamarassery Ghat, one of Kerala’s most scenic mountain passes. The road includes 9 hairpin bends with breathtaking views. Budget extra time for photo stops and careful driving through curves.

The Calicut airport (Karipur) is the nearest airport to Edakkal Caves. Many international and domestic travelers use this starting point, making this Edakkal Caves distance measurement extremely important for trip planning.

Bangalore to Edakkal Caves Distance

From Bangalore (Bengaluru):

• Distance: 285 kilometers
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours
• Route: Bangalore → Mysore → Nanjangud → Gundlupet → Sulthan Bathery → Edakkal

This journey works best as an overnight trip or weekend getaway. You can break the journey at Mysore (140 km from Bangalore) if you want to explore both destinations.

The route is well-maintained with good highways until Gundlupet. After crossing into Kerala, the roads become narrower with more curves. Start early morning from Bangalore to reach Wayanad by afternoon, and visit Edakkal the next day.

Mysore to Edakkal Caves Distance

From Mysore (Mysuru):

• Distance: 130 kilometers
• Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours
• Route: Mysore → Nanjangud → Gundlupet → Sulthan Bathery → Edakkal

Mysore serves as an excellent base for Wayanad exploration. The Edakkal Caves distance from Mysore makes it possible for a long day trip, though an overnight stay lets you explore more comfortably.

The route passes through the Bandipur Forest Reserve, where you might spot elephants, deer, and peacocks. Drive carefully and never speed through this protected area.

Kochi to Edakkal Caves Distance

From Kochi (Cochin):

• Distance: 250 kilometers
• Travel Time: 6-6.5 hours
• Route: Kochi → Thrissur → Palakkad → Mannarkkad → Nilambur → Sulthan Bathery → Edakkal

This route is longer but passes through beautiful Kerala countryside. Alternatively, you can take the Kochi → Calicut → Wayanad route, which is approximately 260 kilometers but uses better highways for faster travel.

Most travelers flying into Kochi International Airport prefer staying overnight in Wayanad before visiting Edakkal Caves. The Edakkal Caves, located near Kochi, require proper planning for a comfortable journey.

Edakkal Caves to Nearby Attractions Distance

Planning a full day in Wayanad? You can combine Edakkal Caves with other popular attractions. Here are the exact distances to help you create your itinerary.

Edakkal Caves to Banasura Dam Distance

• Distance: 38 kilometers
• Travel Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Route: Edakkal → Sulthan Bathery → Padinjarathara → Banasura Dam

The Edakkal Caves to Banasura Dam distance makes them perfect for a combined morning-afternoon trip. Visit Edakkal early (caves open at 9:30 AM), then head to Banasura Dam for boating and scenic views.

Banasura Sagar Dam is India’s largest earthen dam. The reservoir offers speed boating, row boating, and stunning mountain views. Combined with Edakkal, you get history, adventure, and nature in one day.

Edakkal Caves to Soochipara Distance

• Distance: 30 kilometers
• Travel Time: 55 minutes
• Route: Edakkal → Sulthan Bathery → Meppadi → Soochipara Falls

The Edakkal Caves to Soochipara distance allows you to experience both attractions comfortably. Soochipara Falls (also called Sentinel Rock Waterfall) requires a 2-kilometer trek through the forest and rocks.

This combination works best during monsoon and post-monsoon (June-November) when waterfalls are at their magnificent best. Visit Edakkal first, then cool off at Soochipara in the afternoon.

Edakkal Caves to Sulthan Bathery Distance

• Distance: 12 kilometers
• Travel Time: 25-30 minutes
• Route: Direct route via Ambalavayal Road

Sulthan Bathery is your base town for Edakkal visits. This small town offers restaurants, ATMs, medical stores, and budget accommodations. The short Edakkal Caves to Sulthan Bathery distance means you can easily return for lunch or rest.

Most organized tours and taxi services operate from Sulthan Bathery. If you’re using public transport, this town serves as your connection point for buses to other Wayanad attractions.

Edakkal Caves to Meenmutty Falls Distance

• Distance: 48 kilometers
• Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Route: Edakkal → Sulthan Bathery → Kalpetta → Meenmutty Falls

The Edakkal Caves to Meenmutty Falls distance is significant, making it challenging to cover both in one day. Meenmutty is Wayanad’s largest waterfall, with three tiers cascading from 300 meters.

Reaching Meenmutty requires a challenging 2-kilometer trek through dense forest. Most travelers choose either Edakkal-Banasura-Soochipara OR Edakkal-Meenmutty as their day plan, not both.

How to Reach Edakkal Caves: Complete Route Guide

By Road (Car/Taxi/Bus)

From Sulthan Bathery (most common route):

1. Head north on NH766 from the Sultan Bathery town center
2. After 8 kilometers, turn right at Ambalavayal Junction
3. Continue 4 kilometers on Edakkal Road
4. Follow the signboards to the Edakkal Caves parking area

Private Vehicle Tips:

• The Edakkal Caves location has a large parking area at the base (₹30 for cars)
• The last 500 meters before parking is a narrow road with sharp curves
• Avoid large vehicles like buses at the final approach

By Bus: Regular KSRTC buses run from Sulthan Bathery to Ambalavayal. From Ambalavayal, local jeeps and autos cover the remaining 4 kilometers to Edakkal parking. Total bus fare: ₹15-20.

Alternatively, book a taxi from Kalpetta or Sulthan Bathery for ₹800-1,200 round-trip with waiting time.

By Train

Nearest Railway Station: Kozhikode (Calicut) Railway Station

• Distance: 100 kilometers from Edakkal Caves
• Connectivity: Well-connected to major Indian cities

From Calicut Railway Station:

1. Exit the station and head to the KSRTC bus stand (500 meters)
2. Take a bus to Sulthan Bathery (2.5 hours, ₹80-100)
3. From Sulthan Bathery, take local transport to Edakkal

Alternatively, hire a taxi directly from Calicut station (₹2,500-3,000 one way).

By Air

Nearest Airport: Calicut International Airport (Karipur)

• Distance: 100 kilometers from Edakkal Caves
• Connectivity: Domestic and international flights

From Karipur Airport:

1. Pre-book a taxi to Wayanad (₹2,800-3,500 to Sulthan Bathery)
2. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours through Thamarassery Ghat
3. Stay overnight in Wayanad, visit Edakkal the next morning

Alternative Airport: Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport (290 km) serves as an option for international travelers, especially those combining Karnataka and Kerala tourism.

Travel Time Breakdown: What to Expect

Understanding the Edakkal Caves distance in terms of actual driving time helps you plan realistically. Here’s a comprehensive table:

Starting Point	Distance (KM)	Ideal Travel Time	With Breaks	Road Condition
Sulthan Bathery	12	25 min	35 min	Excellent
Kalpetta	25	45 min	1 hour	Excellent
Calicut	95	2.5 hours	3 hours	Good
Mysore	130	3 hours	3.5 hours	Good
Bangalore	285	6 hours	7 hours	Excellent
Kochi	250	6 hours	6.5 hours	Good
Banasura Dam	38	1 hour	1.25 hours	Good
Soochipara Falls	30	55 min	1.25 hours	Good
Meenmutty Falls	48	1.5 hours	1.75 hours	Moderate

Traffic Considerations:

Morning rush (8-10 AM) around Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta adds 15-20 minutes to your journey. Weekend traffic (Saturday-Sunday) increases significantly during tourist season (October-May).

The Thamarassery Ghat section from Calicut experiences heavy truck traffic in early mornings and evenings. Plan your Calicut-Wayanad journey between 10 AM and 4 PM for the smoothest travel.

Best Time to Start Your Journey:

• From within Wayanad: Start by 8:30 AM to reach the caves when they open (9:30 AM)
• From Calicut: Start by 6:30 AM to arrive by 9:30 AM
• From Bangalore/Mysore: Travel the previous day, stay overnight in Wayanad

Step-by-Step Guide: Reaching Edakkal Caves

Step 1: Drive to the Edakkal Caves base parking area using the routes mentioned above. GPS coordinates: 11.6774° N, 76.1294° E.

Step 2: Park your vehicle at the designated parking lot. Parking fee: ₹30 for cars, ₹10 for two-wheelers. The parking area has basic toilet facilities.

Step 3: Purchase entry tickets at the counter (₹30 for Indians, ₹300 for foreigners). Tickets are valid for the entire day. Children under 5 enter free.

Step 4: Begin your trek from the ticket counter. The path is well-marked with steps, railings, and rest points. You’ll climb approximately 600 feet in elevation over 1 kilometer.

Step 5: After 30-45 minutes of trekking, you’ll reach the cave entrance. A narrow passage between two massive rocks forms the “cave.” Only 25 people can enter at a time, so you might wait 10-15 minutes during peak hours.

Step 6: Inside, you’ll see ancient petroglyphs on the cave walls. Photography is allowed without flash. Spend 15-20 minutes exploring and reading information boards.

Step 7: Exit the cave and enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoint just outside. This is perfect for photos of Wayanad’s landscape.

Step 8: Descend the same path back to the parking. The descent takes 20-25 minutes. Total visit duration including trek: 2-2.5 hours.

Important Trek Notes:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
• Carry drinking water (no shops en route)
• Avoid the trek if you have serious knee or heart conditions
• Trekking poles available for rent at the base (₹50)
• Don’t litter; carry back all waste

Edakkal Caves Location & GPS Coordinates

Complete Address: Edakkal Caves
Ambalavayal Post
Wayanad District
Kerala 673593
India

GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 11.6774° N
Longitude: 76.1294° E

Google Maps Link: Search “Edakkal Caves” on Google Maps (Insert Internal Link to your destination guide)

Key Landmarks:

• 7 km before caves: Ambalavayal town (last point for ATM, medical stores, restaurants)
• 3 km before caves: Ambukuthi Mala signboard
• 500 m before caves: Narrow road begins with hairpin curves
• At the parking: Tourism Department information center

Use these coordinates in your GPS navigation app for precise directions. All major apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Maps.me accurately pinpoint the Edakkal Caves location.

The caves are clearly signposted from Sulthan Bathery onwards. You won’t miss the direction if you follow NH766 and watch for Ambalavayal Junction.

Edakkal Caves Timings & Entry Details

Official Opening Hours:

• Opening Time: 9:30 AM
• Closing Time: 4:30 PM
• Last Entry: 3:30 PM
• Weekly Off: Monday (caves closed)

Entry Fees (2026):

• Indian Adults: ₹30
• Indian Children (5-12 years): ₹15
• Foreign Tourists: ₹300
• Still Camera: Free
• Video Camera: ₹100

Best Time to Visit:

By Season:

• October to February: Pleasant weather, ideal for trekking (20-25°C)
• March to May: Hot afternoons (28-35°C), visit before 11 AM
• June to September: Monsoon, caves may close on heavy rain days

By Day:

• Weekdays: Less crowded, peaceful exploration
• Weekends/Holidays: Expect a 30-60 minute wait at the cave entrance

Time of Day: Morning visits (9:30-11:30 AM) offer cooler temperatures for the uphill trek. Afternoon visits see fewer crowds but hotter conditions.

Plan to reach the parking area by 9:00 AM for ticket purchase and start the trek by 9:30 AM.

Planning Your Visit: Travel Tips

What to Pack:

• Footwear: Sports shoes or trekking sandals with grip (avoid flip-flops)
• Clothing: Comfortable cotton clothes, carry a light jacket for a windy viewpoint
• Essentials: 1-2 liters of water per person, energy snacks, sunscreen, cap
• Optional: Trekking stick, small backpack, power bank for phone
• Don’t Carry: Large bags, fragile items, unnecessary electronics

Physical Fitness Requirements:

The trek is of moderate difficulty. You need basic fitness to climb continuously for 30-40 minutes. The path includes 400+ steps and steep sections with 45-degree inclines.

Not recommended for:

• Pregnant women
• People with severe knee, heart, or respiratory conditions
• Very young children (under 5) or elderly people with mobility issues

Photography Guidelines:

• Photography allowed inside caves without flash
• Flash damages ancient rock art
• Tripods are not permitted inside the narrow cave passage
• Drone flying is strictly prohibited
• Best photo spots: Cave entrance view, panoramic viewpoint outside, petroglyphs close-ups

Safety Tips:

• Start descending by 3:00 PM to avoid getting stuck after closing time
• Stay on marked paths; don’t venture into forest areas
• Watch for monkeys near the parking area (don’t feed them)
• Keep children close on steep sections
• Check the weather before starting; avoid during heavy rain warnings

Money Matters:

Carry sufficient cash. No ATMs available at Edakkal. The nearest ATM is in Ambalavayal (7 km away). Cards are not accepted for entry tickets or parking.

Budget ₹500-800 per person, including entry, parking, refreshments, and tips.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Now you have complete clarity on the Edakkal Caves distance from every major starting point. Whether you’re 12 kilometers away in Sulthan Bathery or 285 kilometers away in Bangalore, you know exactly how long your journey will take.

The key takeaway? Edakkal Caves distance planning transforms your visit from stressful to seamless. Use the exact distances, realistic travel times, and step-by-step routes in this guide to create your perfect itinerary.

Remember these essential points:

• The Edakkal Caves location is 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, your closest base town
• Budget 2.5-3 hours for the complete cave visit, including trek
• Combine with nearby attractions using the distance table provided
• Visit between October and February for the best weather
• Start your trek by 9:30 AM to avoid the afternoon heat

Ready to explore Kerala’s ancient heritage? Save this guide and share it with your travel companions. The Edakkal Caves distance is now one less thing to worry about as you plan your Wayanad adventure.

Travel The World Today guides you in every stage of your journey. Bookmark this page, pack your bags, and get ready to witness 6,000-year-old rock art that has survived millennia. Your Edakkal adventure starts with knowing the distance – and now you do.

Have questions about your specific route? Drop a comment below, and we’ll help you plan the perfect journey!

FAQs About Edakkal Caves Distance & Travel

Q1: What is the exact Edakkal Caves distance from Sulthan Bathery?

The Edakkal Caves distance from Sulthan Bathery is exactly 12 kilometers via Ambalavayal Road. Travel time is 25-30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Q2: How far is Edakkal Caves from Kalpetta?

Kalpetta to Edakkal Caves distance is 25 kilometers, taking approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by road.

Q3: Can I visit Edakkal Caves and Banasura Dam in one day?

Yes, the Edakkal Caves to Banasura Dam distance is 38 kilometers (1 hour drive). Visit Edakkal early in the morning, then Banasura Dam in the afternoon for comfortable sightseeing.

Q4: What is the Wayanad to Edakkal Caves distance?

Wayanad to Edakkal Caves distance varies by location: 12 km from Sulthan Bathery, 25 km from Kalpetta, and 30-40 km from the Vythiri area.

Q5: How much time should I budget for visiting Edakkal Caves?

Budget 2.5 to 3 hours total: 30-45 minutes uphill trek, 20-30 minutes exploring caves, 20-25 minutes descending.

Q6: Is the Edakkal Caves trek difficult?

The trek is moderate difficulty with 400+ steps and steep sections. Basic fitness is required. Not recommended for people with serious health conditions.

Q7: What is the Edakkal Caves to Soochipara distance?

The Edakkal Caves to Soochipara distance is 30 kilometers, approximately 55 minutes drive via the Meppadi route.

Q8: Can I drive to the top of Edakkal Caves?

No, vehicles can only reach the base parking area. From there, you must trek 1 kilometer uphill to reach the caves.

Q9: Are Edakkal Caves open during the monsoon?

Yes, but caves may temporarily close during heavy rainfall for safety. Edakkal Caves timings remain 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM in all seasons when open.

Q10: What is the best route for the Edakkal Caves distance from Bangalore?

Take Bangalore → Mysore → Gundlupet → Sulthan Bathery → Edakkal (285 km, 6-7 hours). This is the fastest, most scenic route.