Gudiyam Caves are a popular tourist destination in Thiruvallur District in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. These caves are a rock shelter and known for pre-historic rock-shelters. Myriads of tourists throng these caves thus exploring their mystery. The sight is located just behind Poondi reservoir, in the core of Chennai city. It is 60 kilometers away from Chennai. The sight has grown as ideal picnic spot making it well connected with the near by regions.
History of Gudiyam Caves
Gudiyam Caves were discovered by geologist Robert Bruce Foote. According to Archeological evidence, these caves were used by Paleolithic Man. The Archeological Survey of India excavated the site in 1963-64. Paleolithic studies in this region show signs of extensive movement of early hominids across the landscape about 100,000 years ago. Sixteen such shelters are located in Allikulli Hill ranges near Poondi.
Significance of Gudiyam Caves
Since remnants of weapons and tools of pre historic times are found here, Gudiyam Caves naturally draw attention of numerous archeologists and historians. Gudiyam Caves are noted for their rugged terrain widely intercepted by lush forests and plantations. However, traces of plain lands are also been found nearby. Due to rugged terrains, adventurers and trackers go there on foot.
Attractions of Gudiyam Caves
Guditam caves are abode of wild animals and birds, which have found them ideal to take shelter. It is regarded as `hominid habitation` of the pre- historic times. There are about sixteen rock shelters forming sheds of lush green trees. The wonderful birds that can be recognized along the way were the spotted doves, ring doves, rose-ringed parakeet, drongo, brain fever bird, bulbul, etc. In the fringes of Gudiyam caves, one can find remains of tools and utensils that were used by the primitive ancestors. These have major attraction for the tourists`. The statue of cave goddess, Banachiamman and few more stone idols and a framed picture were enshrined. Village God, Ayyanar is regarded as protective powers and highly revered by the localities. Some of the statues too can be seen in close nook of the caves.
Connectivity to Gudiyam Caves
The best option to reach this sight is said to be via car. One has to take the road to Poonamallee and head to Poondi reservoir to reach Gudiyam village. The trek to reach the caves from the Gudiyam village is about five kilometers.
