Kodaikanal in Tamilnadu is a place well-known for its beauty and the liberal sprinkling of Nature. A go-to destination for the tribe bitten with wanderlust, Kodaikanal has always drawn travellers from far and wide to its welcoming climes. However, like there is with every place, even in Kodai, there is a hidden treasure, a place of natural heritage, which is slightly offbeat, yet a crowd puller – The Guna Caves.
Located away from the main city of Kodaikanal on the Pillar Rocks Road, Guna Caves is one of the mysterious tourist attractions in Kodaikanal that promises an enthralling experience. Originally known as Devil’s Kitchen, these caves are actually caverns formed between the three boulders of the mountain.
The Guna Caves have been formed at an altitude of 2230 metres. Though the caves were discovered in 1821 itself, they gained huge tourist attraction only after the Tamil movie “Guna” shot here became a massive hit. Today, parts of the caves can be seen from a distance. Bats are found in plenty inside the Guna Caves which make the place look scary.
The path through the pine forests from the main entrance of the Guna Caves to the actual caves looks out-of-the-world. The huge roots of the pine trees are found everywhere outside the soil and promise a good scope for photography at this tourist spot.
There exists a hairline difference between thrill and danger here which is why it is best to visit the Guna caves with a sensible gang of friends or under the supervision of a guide. There are warning signs all through the path leading through from the main entrance to the hilltop.
The narrow ravines inside the caves are now closed to the public. The damp soil, crisp mountain air, cold weather, and the perplexing caves ahead make one’s trip to this place definitely unforgettable.
The Guna Caves are surrounded by many other tourist spots like Pine Tree Forest, Suicide Point, and Dolphin Nose Viewpoint that can be clubbed together to make your trip even more exciting.
How To Reach Guna Caves
To reach Guna Caves, you have to reach Kodaikanal. The closest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 120 kilometres away. You can also travel from Trichy airport, which is 150 km away and from Coimbatore airport which is 175 kilometres away. A bus will take you from the airport to the main town.
Best Time To Visit Guna Caves
However, from the popular Moir point, the walk to Guna Caves is a beautiful one and the best season to visit is from April to June, or August to September. The route goes through a lovely pine forest; the ground is covered with the roots of the trees which makes it even more captivating. Other than the above months, Guna Caves are best avoided, as during these months, the weather is wet and cold, and the ground often becomes so slippery, it is difficult to walk.
Essential Information About Guna Caves
| Location | Pillar Rocks Rd, Tamil Nadu 624101 |
|---|---|
| Timings | 8.00 AM - 4.30 PM Mon-Sun |
| Entry Fee | INR 5 per person; Camera INR 10 |
| Visitor's Facility | "Pay And Use" restroom facilities available at the entrance |
| Parking Facility | Provided at about 10 minutes of walkway distance from the caves. Please keep your belongings safe from the monkeys at the parking lot. |
| Distance from Kodaikanal bus stand | 8.5 km |
Tips Before Visiting Guna Caves
1. While Guna Caves is one of the most enthralling places where Nature unveils many of its mysteries, Guna Caves is also dangerous to its visitors. The drop from the caves is fatal and hence, do not venture outside the bars.
2. Wear long sleeves and thermals to keep yourself warm.
3. The walk from the main entrance to the caves is physically demanding and think twice if you are travelling with senior citizens and toddlers.
4. Be cautious of the surroundings while clicking photos. There have been several instances of fatal falls of youths at the caves.
History of Guna Caves
Guna Caves are actually caverns located amidst the three huge boulders. In 1821, the Guna Caves were first discovered by an English Officer, B.S. Ward. However, as time passed by, the caves lost their place in people's minds. Later, in 1992, the caves became popular after the release of the super-hit movie "Guna".
Many parts of the movie were shot here and the evergreen melody "Kanmani Anbodu Kadhalan" brought these caves into the spotlight. The caves which were popular only amongst adventure seekers and trekkers became a favorite tourist spot amongst commoners after the release of the movie.
While these intriguing caves are a natural wonder, they are also particularly dangerous. The deeper parts of the cave are completely dark as the sunlight cannot penetrate. Today, many narrow paths of the caves are shut with iron grills and there are warning signs advising tourists not to venture ahead of the closed bars. The signboard also tells that the number of fatal falls from the caves stands 12 to date.
