What's the daily limit of tourists at Kerala's Edakkal Caves? How not to miss out? Know rules

Strict daily limits on tourist numbers at the Edakkal Caves are giving a significant blow to Wayanad tourism, forcing many visitors, including those from distant districts, to return disappointed. The Edakkal Caves, home to centuries-old stone carvings, had their visitor numbers limited several years ago by the Archaeology Department. Daily site entry is now capped at 1,920 people.

With the Christmas–New Year holiday season in full swing, large numbers of tourists are arriving in the district, but the caves remain out of bounds for them. For several days, the cap of 1,920 visitors has forced those coming in the afternoon to leave disappointed. 

Issues faced by tourists
By the time tourists reach Edakkal after visiting other attractions in the district, the daily limit is often already reached. Many visitors who travel for hours find themselves waiting in long queues, only to be turned away after spending considerable time trying to gain entry. Since visiting the cave involves a long climb, tourists often plan Edakkal as the final stop on their itinerary, often after lunch. But by the time they arrive, the daily visitor limit is usually full.

Reasons for the restrictions
After the 2018 floods, when water and debris, including stones, entered the cave and threatened the ancient inscriptions, the Archaeology Department imposed temporary restrictions on visitor numbers to protect the site. Even though several monsoon seasons have passed, these limits have not been relaxed, and the prolonged restrictions are now taking a toll on the tourism sector. Edakkal remains the most-visited site under the DTPC in the district. But with the restrictions in place, many groups, including students who come to study and observe the centuries-old carvings, are now forced to leave disappointed.

Troubling local businessmen 
The long-standing visitor restrictions have also created challenges for local businesses that rely on Edakkal tourism, as the steady flow of tourists remains disrupted when visitors are turned away. Since the limits no longer pose any risk to the ancient carvings, there is a growing demand to lift the visitor cap.

A seven-year wait for action
While imposing restrictions during the 2018 floods, it was promised that they would be lifted once a proper study was completed. Yet, seven years on, the study remains unfinished, and no adjustments to the limits have been made. Authorities had the option to regulate visitor movement within the caves without reducing overall numbers. Officials, however, argued that simply cutting the number of visitors was not logical. Despite this, the Archaeology Department's stance has effectively prevented any relaxation of these restrictions.

Know the rules to not miss out
1. Tourists will not be permitted into the Edakkal Cave hill top after 4 pm. Entry is allowed from 8.30 am. 
2. Mondays are closed holidays at the cave
3. The caves and premises are a plastic-free zone
4. Schedule your trip early in the morning, especially in the winter season.
5. Indian tourists are charged Rs 50, and foreigners, Rs 60. Rs 25 is charged to carry a still camera, Rs 100 for a video camera and Rs 70 for the jeep shuttle service. 
Know more details here.