Introduction

Located on the outskirts of Chennai, about 10 kilometers (6.25 miles) from Poondi Reservoir, the Gudiyam Caves are a cluster of 16 naturally-formed rock shelters that can be reached only after a 4-kilometer trek. Naturalists and adventure enthusiasts opt to visit the Gudiyam Caves for the trek alone!.

Shrouded amid dense reserve forests, the Gudiyam Caves are believed to have once been the habitat of pre-historic hominids. You can feel their presence as you browse the numerous pre-historic weapons and utensils scattered about the caves. Other than pre-historic artifacts, the caves house a stone sculpture of Goddess Banachiamman, statues of the local deity Ayannar and some framed pictures of other gods and goddesses.

The caves are an awe-inspiring formation resembling canopies with entrances that lead to cool interiors with roofs that go up to 100-feet in some places and so low that you have to crouch to get through, in the others. You will notice that the higher cave roofs are covered with hundreds of rock-bee hives, while the floors littered with the remains of sacrificial birds and bat droppings.

You need a nature guide for the trek up to the caves, and further on to explore the labyrinthine network of narrow passages. The path flanked by brambles and thistles on both sides could increase the difficulty level of your trek. The surrounding jungle receives a lot of winged visitors, so keep an eye out – you could spot a paradise fly-catcher, munia, ring dove, rose-ringed parakeet, bulbul or drongo flitting among the trees. Wildlife such as wild boar and fox have also been spotted in this region.

The trek starts from the Gudiyam Village and local villagers who frequent the caves to pay their respects to Goddess Banachiamman, can be taken along as a guide. Carry with you a few bottles of drinking water, some snacks and insect repellent cream. Don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes.

Carry minimum load to enable an easy walk. There is no shelter en-route. It is advisable to avoid a trip to the caves in the early morning and late evening.

Special Attributes

Pre-historic hominid habitat and natural caves

Nuisance

Honey bees

Dressing restrictions

Wear fully covered clothes - the narrow trail is lined with brambles that could scrap your skin.

Connectivity

Cars, Buses, Thereon on foot

Enjoyed by

Adventure enthusiasts, history lovers, Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will be under the bare sun, though the path is shaded by tall trees.

Avoidable Season

Monsoon (September, October, November), Peak Summer (April, May)

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Carry with you a few bottles of drinking water, some snacks and insect repellent cream. Don’t forget to put on your trekking shoes. Carry minimum load to enable an easy walk. There is no shelter en-route. It is advisable to avoid a trip to the caves in the early morning and late evening.

Type of site

Activity