A Treck Through the Time at Edakkal
For a long time, Edakkal Caves had been one of those places a name spoken in travel plans and
daydreams, tucked between the pages of history and the pull of adventure. So when the day finally
came, it didn’t feel like the beginning of a trip, but more like stepping into the pages of a long awaited
story. That morning, the mist hung low, and the air carried the fresh scent of wet leaves and soil.
Everything around us was painted in soft shades of green. The road wound gently through the hills,
past coffee estates and quiet homes. There was a quiet happiness among our group of friends we were finally escaping our routines and heading into nature. After stopping at a small roadside thattukada for breakfast, where we enjoyed crispy dosas and spicy chutney, we made our way to the starting point of the trek.
The trail began calmly, passing through small shops that sold handmade items, snacks, and souvenirs.
In one of these shops, I noticed a nicely wrapped box of chocolates in a shop and picked it up without
thinking too much. I didn’t realize someone else had their eyes on it too. Just a few steps ahead, while
we were taking some pictures, a group of monkeys suddenly appeared. One clever monkey made a
quick move and snatched the chocolate box from my hands before I could react. At f irst, I was shocked, but soon we all burst into laughter. The monkey sat nearby on a rock, unwrapping the box like it had done it a hundred times before, proudly enjoying its prize. Strange as it was, that funny moment stayed with us it was nature’s way of reminding us who was really in control.
The trek got tougher as we climbed. Each steps felt like a new challenge. The forest grew thicker, and
sunlight filtered through the trees in broken patches. Crickets chirped somewhere nearby, and leaves
rustled softly in the breeze. Soon, our chatting stopped. Only a few words of encouragement or quiet breaths were shared. The climb was not just about strength it asked for patience, determination, and quiet moments with oneself. Halfway through, I had to stop to catch my breath. That’s when I noticed my legs shaking uncontrollably, refusing to stay still no matter how hard I tried. It felt strange, like my body was no longer listening to me. My friends noticed too. Some joked about it, while others offered water and energy drinks. Though slightly embarrassed, I also felt grounded, reminded that we all have our limits, no matter how confident we feel.
As we climbed higher, the view began to open up. The hills stretched far into the misty distance, and
the forest canopy below looked endless. The cool air carried a hint of wildflowers. Finally, the iron
staircase to the cave entrance came into view narrow and steep, like a doorway to another time.
Stepping inside the Edakkal Caves felt like walking into the past. The walls were covered with carvings
symbols, shapes, animals, and human figures etched thousands of years ago. We couldn’t understand what they meant, but standing there, we could feel their meaning. The cave was cool and quiet. Our voices lowered naturally, and flashlight beams moved carefully across the stone. We sat there for a long time, not saying much. It wasn’t just the ancient carvings we were looking at—it was everything they represented. The quiet made our own worries seem smaller, and for a while, we felt connected to something far older than ourselves. All the tiredness, the stolen chocolates, and the aching legs had led us to that moment—and somehow, it all felt worth it.
The way down felt easier. Maybe it was the pull of gravity, or maybe the sense of achievement made it
lighter. The monkeys were still around, watching us but not bothering. The sun had risen higher, and
the forest looked alive colors brighter, sounds sharper. We ended our journey at a small tea shop
nearby, sipping hot tea and enjoying slices of snacks. We chated about everything, the kind of
conversations that happen when you’re both tired and happy. My legs were sore by then, every step a
reminder of the climb. But I didn’t mind. That day wasn’t just a trek it was something more. The tricksy monkey, shaking knees, and ancient carvings all came together to create a memory. It was a reminder that effort matters, nature surprises us, and some stories will be created for us.