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Guna Caves’ history and significance
One of the ancient caves, the Guna cave initially named as The Devil’s Kitchen, is a cave located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. It attracts many visitors every year. The location got the name Guna Caves after it was featured in the 1991 film Gunaa starring Kamal Haasan. Since the release of the film, the location has attracted a large number of visitors and tourists. Later, other movies were also shot there, including the climax of the Malayalam film Shikkar (2010), and another Malayalam film Manjummel Boys (2024), which was based on a real accident in the cave
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Several people have always entered the caves in an attempt to explore them but ended up missing without any records. The dangerousness of the Guna caves has turned them into one of the most unsafe caves globally with their non-uniform depth. Since then till 2016, there have been 16 disappearances that were linked to this cave but no bodies were ever retrieved by police forces across the world. Up to now, no other person has ever come out alive from this place apart from a single individual, a concept forming the basis of 2024.
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The Guna Cave’s history is intertwined with its natural formation and its cultural significance, known in other words as Pillar Rocks Cave. Here’s a brief overview :
1. Formation: The Majestic Cave was created in a process that took millions of years like many other natural caves before it. The cave is located in Kodaikanal-a hill station in Tamil Nadu State in India amidst the beautiful scenery that will leave you breathless considering the former quarries geological setup. Between two high pillar rocks, this cave lies creating a place called “Pillar Rocks Cave
2. Cultural Significance: In 1991, a Tamil film called “Guna” led to the cave gaining a lot of cultural importance. Santhana Bharathi directed this film and cast Kamal Haasan and Roshini. It tells the story of its main character falling in love with Kamal Haasan’s character Guna. There are a lot of parts shot around this place that have led people to call it the Guna’s cave.
3. Tourist Attraction: After the film was successful, a lot of tourists visited the Kodaikanal Guna Cave. The cave is visited by people who like to be in natural areas and those who like remembering how they watched certain films there. Additionally, green grass and strange stones in the ground make it very nice.
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The cave is believed to have been named after an old Tamil story. They say the Pandavas stayed with their wife Draupadi in this cave during their exile at the time of Mahabharata. Some believe they used to cook their food right here hence the name ‘Devil’s Kitchen’. Also, at some point in time, the cave was believed to be occupied by an evil spirit who caused horror amongst the locals until he was killed by a courageous man known as Guna. This explains why the place is otherwise known as ‘Guna Cave’.
In recent years, there have been initiatives to preserve and guard the cave to enable future generations to enjoy its natural splendor and historical essence. Up to now, it is one the essential tourist sites in Kodaikanal providing an opportunity for the tourists who visit it by going back into the past where they can learn much about those fables concerning this aged place.
The Guna Caves and the Kodaikanal Bus Stand are separated by an 8.5 km distance with the most ideal mode of transport being through the private hiring of taxis on a daily basis to enable sightseeing around Kodaikanal. In Kodaikanal, there are no automobiles at all save for a few private ones. The best way also to travel this distance is on foot because it ensures that you enjoy its beauty to the fullest
Adventurous Treks and Trails| Nearby Attractions
Trekking to Guna Cave can be quite an adventurous experience. The trail leading to the cave is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a picturesque journey. However, it’s essential to be cautious while trekking, as some parts of the trail can be steep and slippery, especially during the monsoon season.
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Hidden gems near Guna Caves, Attractions Nearby :
- Berijam Lake: Berijam Lake is situated amidst a serene forest, Berijam Lake is a tranquil reservoir that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and birdwatching in this peaceful setting.
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2. Silver Cascade: It is located on the way to Kodaikanal from Madurai, this place is called ‘Silver Cascade Falls’ because it looks like a silver waterfall when shining in the sunlight. In the Tamil Nadu state of India, there is no such beautiful waterfall as here. It is approximately 180 feet high and is near Kodaikanal. It is a favorite halt for tourists who are on their way to Kodaikanal
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3. Bear Shola Falls: There is a scenic waterfall called the Bear Shola Falls whose height is around 40 feet while found within the woods. It is suitable for swimming or resting thereof through a picnic alongside beautiful trees around this area.
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How to reach Kodaikanal?
By Air
The nearest airport is at Madurai which is 134 km away.
By Train
The nearest railway station is at Kodaikanal Road which is 79 km away.
By Road
The direct bus is available from all parts of Tamil Nadu and neighboring states Kerala and Karnataka.
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