Gudiyam Caves---Near Poondi(Cavern to prehistoric times )

Gudiyam Caves---Near Poondi(Cavern to prehistoric times )

Gudiyam Caves--Cavern to prehistoric Times

Locality:Gudiyam
Landmark:Poondi reservoir
Type:Adventurous Trip
Google map location:

A 90-kilometer drive from Chennai to Gudiyam village past Poondi a road less traveled brings you to an inaccessible forest of evergreen and deciduous trees .This is where Robert Bruce Foote in 1863, a British geologist, discovered a stone tool - a hand axe, made, used and discarded by the Stone Age man - from a gravel pit in suburban in this place . The discovery, small but momentous, opened up an entire new area of research about the Paleolithic Age in the Tamilnadu region, and pushed back the antiquity of the Tamil man by 1,00,000 years.

We planned on Friday for the trek to this mystic place .On Saturday 9:15 am we 5 started in Ritz car and reached Gudiyam around 10:45am.On the way we took photos of the Poondi reservoir.The place was not polluted after long time I could feel silence and breathe fresh air.


The Gudiyam village is located at 11 km drive from Poondi reservoir.The road is not well maintained but adjustable .You need to consult the locals to find the way through.Most of the people are aware of the caves(kugai in Tamil).Mention kugai(caves) for them to guide you .

Take the road to Nambakkam to reach Goonipalyam. Right direction as shown in the photo.


If you traveling by car then you can park the vehicle at the end of the cement road ,there begins the forest .Jeeps and all terrain vehicle can go 400 meter more ,there is ample space for parking offer a biscuit packet to locals boys they can take care of your vehicle.I feel it is safe to stop the vehicle at the cement road to avoid any puncture.The invisible bike with luck of not being punctured and gutsy heart can go 3 km more inside the terrain.

The adventure begins,The locals in the last village will help you in showing the starting point . The trek for 7 km inside the lonely forest is all yours expect for the few stones painted in white act as route markers. The path for the first few km is big and easy to walk,On approaching near the mountain the pathway is full of pebbles and rocks.Follow the pathway ,dont divert as it is very difficult to trace back the route.Please wear shoes to avoid any ankle twists.

First cave

The walk is around 4 km then you would see the first cave.The right diversion from the pathway lead you to the steps for the first cave . On reaching the first cave you we amazed to see the big rock formation.We reached the cave around 1:30pm and had our lunch (2 slices of bread with Jam).Please clean the place after having your lunch and don't pollute the place with plastic bags.

View Inside the first cave



We could see a path leading upwards near to cave ,we decided to take the path ,the route is slightly steep and full of pebbles(please proceed with caution),Within few meters of walk you can reach the top of the mountain .The view from the top is spectacular and gives the complete map of the area. You will surrounded by greenery,it is worth to take photos.It would be like you are in the center of the forest.The feeling of standing in top of the hill is great. It is easy to climb up but be very cautious while getting down is difficult from the hills as the pebbles are slippery ,avoid if it rains.

From the top of the hill



Then after ample rest we got down from the first cave and proceeded further for another 3 km.The path get narrower and covered with thick bushes .

Second Cave



On nearing the Second cave we could hear the sound of parrots and other birds. The view of this cave was spectacular,The entrance looks like a giant toadstool that has keeled over. And in contrast to the sun-drenched exterior, it is cool within .Look up at the ceiling I bet you will be awed at the sight ofmassive beehives clinging to the porous & damp roof of the cave.The foul smell of bat can be sensed.




There resides a Amman temple within the cave worshiped by locals.. A kindly Amman deity sits in a framed photo, as other deities and their war-worn steeds stand impressively by. Colorful pieces of cloth are strung on a tall plant. The primordial silence is shattered only by the humming of bees and the querulous twitter of birds.We also spotted a snake skin inside the cave.



After taking lot of photos inside the cave we decided to walk back.Thisjourney was a cavern to the past and away from mechanical,polluted life in Chennai.The walk of 7km was deserving and adventurous.

We walked after on the way back and reached the car at 3:40 am and had our snacks at Akshaya Bhavan in Thiruvallur.The food was tasty and the place was well maintained.


Important Note

• Shoes is compulsory as the pathway is rugged.
• Carry lots of Water (2ltr per person).
• Buy Food for the travel in Thiruvallur.
• No human contact for the 7 km trek
• Avoid plastic bags
• Avoid climbing up the hill during rains.
• Don't disturb the beehive it may prove disastrous

GUDIYAM CAVES Photos

GUDIYAM CAVES

TIRUVALLUR DISTRICT VIA POONDI

SEETHANCHERI

GUDIYAM VILLAGE TOWARDS PLACEPALAYAM ROUTE

GUDIYAM CAVES

GUDIYAM CAVES

This name is familiar to archaeological department of Tamilnadu. This place is in thiruvallur district. Is from Chennai approximately 70 km. Is in poondi panchayat union, Timmaboopalapuram panchayat.
Gudiyam Caves is known for its 1 lakh year old rock-shelters, statues etc. Preferred for trekkers and who loves to travel.


History: Caves have been used by humans for a long time and for a number of reasons. For many they provided shelter, for others they were a source for minerals and economic prosperity. The first mentions of karst landscape date back to the ancient Assyrian King Salmanassar III. As reported on bronze engravings, he was investigating the caves and springs at the source of the Tigris River. There are also mentions of karst topography in the writings of the ancient Greek and Romans (Jennings, 1971). In Israel there is a cave called the Cave of Letters and inside this cave documents from the second century C.E. describing in detail one woman’s life were found. The woman was named Babatha and it is thought that she used the cave for protection and to store her documents for safekeeping (Tyson, 2004).

 

Many historians and archeologists also come here to see the natural Gudiyam Caves in Chennai.
The prehistoric tools, rugged tracks and statues made with stones have the major tourist attractions in Chennai. Most of the weapons are supposed to be seen in the cave these weapons are used in ancient times.
The sculptures of the goddesses are believed to be the unique assets for the caves. The caves are having great appeal. Some attractions of ancient times can be found in the Gudiyam Caves as it gave many tourist attractions in Chennai.
Bird species and trees on the rocky hills have the great attractions in Chennai. The Gudiyam Caves is 90 kilometers away from Chennai. It is located near village of Gudiyam. Near the Gudiyam you will get lots of forests with green and flawless trees and bushes.
In the year 1863, the British Geologist Robert Bruce discovered the stone tool like hand axes this also gave Chennai tourist attractions. Most of the things are related to Paleolithic Age.
The Village of Gudiyam is situated 11 kilometers away from Poondi. The road between the Poondi and Gudiyam is not very good. However, one can travel. Most of the visitors come here to see these old caves. Truly, it gave Chennai tourist attractions.
The adventures start when the local village comes near. First cave is at the distance of 4 kilometers. The route has pebbles. You may have many photos during the visit of Gudiyam Caves.
Getting down from the hills is not an easy task people and people take precautions while getting down from the hills. From top of the hills, you can have the outstanding view of the cave as a tribute of nature. 

The Gudiyam Caves are located at a distance of 17 km from the Poondi Reservoir, which is a prime landmark of Chennai city. Trekkers need to cover a distance of 4 km to reach the caves. The caves are visited by large number of tourists coming from all over India and many parts of the world.
Gudiyam Caves are situated in one of the prime locations of Chennai city. The caves are famous for the 16 rock shelters and the stone sculpture of Goddess Banachiamman. Gudiyam Caves of Chennai city are situated behind the Poondi Reservoir. Being one of the popular Chennai attractions, the caves are visited by huge number of tourists, archeologists and historians. The rugged tracks, tools of pre-historic ages, statues of stone and various bird species are the main attractions of the Gudiyam Caves.
It wasn’t until the 17 th century, when scientific societies began to emerge that books devoted to karst started to appear. The earliest work was written in 1654 by a Parisian by the name of Jacques Gaffarel, however little of this text remains today (Jennings 1971). In the mid to late 19th century Vienna, Austria was the center for scientific study and karst was a hot topic. This area was the hub for karst study because there were karst areas, primarily the Dinaric karst, around Vienna which fueled research and discussion (Herak and Stringfield, 1972). In the late 19 th century Edouard Martel, with his extensive investigation into karst landscapes, however brought France to the front in karst study with Austria where it has remained since (Jennings, 1971). The following quote from Martel’s first work Les Cevennes published in 1888 speaks of the caves he examined in France, Here are natural wonders of inconceivable beauty: Kilometre-long caverns, full of huge stalactites and stalagmites. Subterranean rivers and lakes in a shimmering bed of crystal. A dark and mysterious realm, which, cast in the eerie glow of the magnesium lamp, is transfigured into a magical palace. A fantastic spectacle, just waiting to be discovered (Martel, 1888). After World War I institutes devoted to karst and caves emerged along with the world’s first University Professor of speleology in Vienna, Georg Kyrle (Figure 3). After World War II interest is caves spread around the world and Europe was no longer the center for the study of speleology. After the study of karst landscapes was spread worldwide the International congresses of speleology held its first meeting in 1953. This has evolved into the International Union of Speleology which still operates and will hold the next congress in Athens, Greece in 2005. About an hour's drive south of Louisville is Mammoth Caves National Park with its vast array of tourist caves. But it is not alone, there are many other caves in the surrounding towns with their own unique perspectives. And especially for the kids, there are also amusement and wildlife parks and best of all, full-size dinosaurs at Dinosaur World. Mammoth Caves is the premier site of the area. Designated and protected as a national park in 1926, it was well-known long before that and contains much local history. Tours of the caves and area began in the mid-1800s and one can learn about its history and events that brought it renown. There are some fifteen different cave tours the sightseer can join. The tours vary from easy, well-guided trips to more difficult and rugged treks through the passages with only a lantern to show the way. The adventures can last from a half hour up to six hours. The Historic Tour gives the traveler a lesson about mining in the cave and a human history of the cave system, while other tours such as the Frozen Niagara Tour show off natural wonders: Onyx Colonnade, Golden Fleece, Rainbow Dome, Crystal Lake and more.

Specials:Gudiyam Caves in Chennai is a wonderful spot and has the prime location in Chennai city. There are sixteen rock shelters and stone having sculpture of Gods and Goddesses. Behind the Poondi Reservoir, the caves are located.
Gudiyam Caves in Chennai is one of the best tourist attractions in Chennai that is why the caves of Gudiyam are visited by the visitors and tourists every year in Chennai.

Gudiyam Caves

Dr.VS.Suresh

Gudiyam Caves

Gudiyam Caves

(A journey to the centre of the evolution.)

Prologue:

It all began with the moment when ‘matter’ combined with ‘spirit’ to give birth to the most complex species in the world both anatomically & psychologically... the humans.

Then started the ever going process of evolution, the other name for the phrase ‘Survival of the toughest ’.

One such link in this process was the ‘homo erectus’ and we, a bunch of nine

‘homo sapiens sapienses’ resolved upon going back in to the history of our existence to find out

how simple & basic lives our remote ancestors had.

(Another purpose was to get a break from our boring monotonous

lives & most importantly,utilize the weekend ;-))

Gudiyam ??? what’s that !

Gudiyam Caves, known by the village name situated @ the
foothills comprises of 16 natural
stone shelters which were used for dwelling nearly 100000 years
ago. It’s actually very surprising that in this age of
information technology,
very less information about this place is available. Reason…?
‘Actually very less information is available’! but as
they say ‘Himmat-e-marda to madad-e-Google ’ So after a
weeklong digging on the internet and courtesy people like
Mr. Chandra from R.E.A.C.H. foundation who gave us some
useful tips ,
we finalized Sunday ,the 5th of Oct.’08 for this adventure.And as the old saying goes... fortune favors the brave. The day started beautifully without any rain and remained cool till we reached the Gudiyam village.

After a lot of mails, messages & phone calls the count was finalized to be NINE! Eight Indians & a very jolly Chilean guest who works in the same company as I do. And the composition was 5 members in car & 4 on bikes. (It’s actually safe to go on bikes as well as cars and also advisable as you can enjoy the lush green terrain with sun playing hide n seek behind clouds, parking in the village which is at the foothills of the caves is also safe except for if you can excuse the mud wash by the curious village kids who are happy on some biscuits & junk stuff to keep a watch on your vehicles.)

Chale chalo…

So we kicked off our journey from IIT madras at 5.30 a.m. where we (myself Suyog & Vivek on bike) joined Prasad & Santosh in Santro(thanks to Prasad’s PR’s) later joined by Rohan-Jitendra @ kattipara Jn. On pulser & Abhimanyu & Patil at porur. Meanwhile we picked up raul our Chilean friend who awaited us @ office entrance patiently.

After the breakfast @ porur we halted again @ poondi for a break and some re-planning.As none of us had been there before we went slow & steady to reach our destination still well in time to be able to explore the place.After some basic enquiries with villagers who helplessly tried to give us directions... we decided to trust our gut feelings (some arrow markings on stones are also helpful).one good thing about having less information is you don’t miss out on surprises.With Some beautiful patterns & colorings on stones and the terrain fully rich of greenery, the place looked virgin. The sun was blazing but the trek was pleasant thanks to the breeze which brought a faint scent of eucalyptus.

After an hour long walking on rough & stony route we reached the first cave formed of porous stone.
If you climb a bit more you can spot the other caves from there.It requires another 2-3 km’s of walking to reach there through the thick veil of branches you will think twice before touching them to make your way through fearing your touch will spoil their purity & the wonderful envelope. Thus we reach the destination,

The Amman Temple which has got nothing to do with the band of civilization of our interest (the hominids). Just take step back & look up @ ceiling I bet you will be awed at the sight of massive beehives clinging to the porous & damp roof of the cave.
Excuse the foul smell & take a stroll but don’t go too far & be over adventurous as there is not much room to escape if queen bee decides to send the forces after you.
Some ruined clay statues attract your attention but that’s it... There’s no info about what they are doing there and we shouldn’t bother coz the beauty of the place demands more attention & deservedly so. Try to inhale as much fresh air as you can but be careful you metro adapted lungs may not be able to process it ;-).

Returning to modern civilization:

Very slowly we started our return journey back (for a rather late lunch near one of fields which treated us with beautiful scenery & sweet water, escorted by a faithful dog who accompanied us from the first cave who was later rewarded by a pack of goodday butter biscuits) mainly because of fatigue and pondering over what we actually got to see in the caves but many a times “It’s not the result, it’s the journey that matters”.

While descending the only thought that revolved in my mind was

“The Earth has not anything to show more fair,

Dull woody be of soul, who could pass by,

A sight so touching,

In its majesty”

That’s not the end:

The icing on the cake was the humble museummaintained by the government about 10 km’s from the cave site which gave us the confirmation that the unusual stones we simply dodged en route the caves to be weapons were actually the tools used by the pre-historic man and a beautiful dam built on poondi reservoir.The shining water and beautiful scenery concluded the day as we drained the remaining charge of the camera battery.

The day was destined to be beautiful as the orange-yellow torch of sinking sun shone the trails of the path we left behind.

Some useful info & Tips:

Route : (Approx. distance from Adyar – 80 kms. (Max.))

To reach Poondi (about 65-70 kms.):

drive down the Poonamallee Road -> then take the Tirutani Road ->head to Thiruvallur -> turn off to Poondi reservoir

Poondi-Gudiyam (15 kms. Max.):

Palayam -> Seettancheri -> Pennalurpettai ->Right diversion(Gudiyam)

Note: Athirambakkam is another place of interest to visit.

Tips:

· Carry ample water & sufficient food

· Also carry some biscuits to feed yourself & dogs...lol.

· Also keep some basic first-aid & glucon-D if some feels tired.

· Cap, full sleeve T-shirts, cargo/jeans, sports shoes, backpack advisable

· Start early in order to start the trek before afternoon.

· I am sure you would take few carry bags along unless you bent of turning the place into a dumping ground.

Avoid having food in the caves as the smell is rather unpleasant and it takes lot more to clear up the mess...than to create one.

Happy Outing!!!