Edakkal Hermitage and India’s only Cave Restaurant

Hermitage, by definition is a remote, small dwelling for living in solitude. Down the the slopes of Ambukuthy hills in Wayanad and near the pre-historic caves of Edakkal, Hermitage seems to be the right name for this resort.

Cosy cottages built around boulders and nestled among coffee plants and under the foliage of large trees, the wilderness has a homely feel to it as well. May be because, we grew up in Kerala. Or may be it was the absence of the typical resort like setting with far too many artificial props and service staff running around. The non-intrusive service was apparent.

 Waking upto the cacophony of bulbuls, wood-peckers, mynahs and drongos is joyful. Plant yourself on a boulder in front of your cottage, with a cup of hot tea, a binocular, camera and a book on birds. And simply forget time. That’s what we did in the mornings. Being November, we spotted the winter visitor to this part of the world – Indian Pita.

However, the surprise was the unique experience of cave dinner. While it was mentioned during our bookings, it was quite a surprise. A small cave accommodating 2-3 dining tables, lit by candles had a surreal feeling to it. This perhaps is the only cave restaurant in India.

Edakkal Hermitage has only seven cottages that is spread across the hill slopes, sufficiently spaced apart, and built at different elevations offering great views.

Edakkal Hermitage is in Edakkal, 25 kms from Kalpetta in Wayanad, Kerala. Nearest railway station and airports are at Kozhikode (Calicut). Wayanad is also accessible from Mysore/Bangalore.