Stone Age carvings in a rock cleft high on Ambukuthi hill, the odd skull of Phantom Rock, Wayanad's heritage museum and the old Jain temple of Sulthan Bathery.
Highlights: Edakkal carvings, Phantom Rock, Heritage museum, Bathery Jain temple
Itinerary
8:00 AM — Pickup Kalpetta KSRTC bus station · Sulthan Bathery bus station · your resort on the way (Kalpetta 8:00 · Bathery 8:45)
9:15 AM — Edakkal Caves A steep climb up Ambukuthi hill to rock carvings thousands of years old, and a wide Wayanad view. (Closed Mondays · entry own expense)
12:00 PM — Phantom Rock A giant boulder shaped like a skull, on the Ambalavayal side. Lunch after, own expense. (Photo stop)
1:45 PM — Wayanad Heritage Museum Tribal tools, hero stones and old weapons at Ambalavayal. (Entry own expense)
3:30 PM — Jain Temple, Sulthan Bathery The granite Jain temple that later served as Tipu Sultan's 'battery' — and gave the town its name. (Footwear off)
5:00 PM — Drop-off Kalpetta, Sulthan Bathery, or your resort
Good to know
🗓️ Closing days: Edakkal Caves are closed on Mondays — this tour runs Tuesday to Sunday. Entry is capped and timed; on busy days we may queue at the counter.
🧗 The climb: About 1 km uphill with steep steps and iron ladders near the top. Not for knee or heart trouble — you can wait at the base café.
👟 What to wear: Shoes with grip, loose clothes; carry water. Cover shoulders and knees at the Jain temple.
🌧️ Rain: Edakkal may close in heavy rain or on red-alert days. We check the evening before and call you if plans change.
