Malayil Kallan Guha

Malayil Kallan Guha is a tourist spot located near the Lock Heart Gap on the Munnar-Thekkady Gap road in the Idukki district of Kerala. It is a rock cave that is said to have been the home of a thief who would loot travelers passing through the road. The cave is narrow but about 15 feet tall, and visitors can walk through it.

At a Glance

From Thief’s Den to Tourist Spot

The name Malayil Kallan Guha is made up of three words: Malayil, meaning “upon the mountain,” Kallan, meaning “thief,” and Guha, meaning “cave.” The cave is a popular stop for travelers passing through the area. The name comes from a legend that says that a thief named Malayil Kallan (Thankayya) used to live in this cave and rob travelers who passed by on the road between Munnar and Thekkady. Some people also believe that he was a benevolent thief who shared his loot with the poor people in the area.

The cave is located near Lockhart Gap, which is a scenic viewpoint that offers a stunning view of the mountains and valleys of Munnar. The cave is about 15 feet tall and narrow enough for one person to walk through. There are some concrete steps that lead to the entrance of the cave, but there is no light inside, so you will need a flashlight or your mobile phone light to see inside. There is nothing much to see inside the cave except for some rocks and crevices, but it is still a fun and adventurous experience to explore it.

Visiting Malayil Kallan Guha & Nearby Attractions

The best part about visiting Malayil Kallan Guha is that it is free of cost and open at any time of the day. However, it is advisable to visit it during the daytime for better visibility and safety. There is also a refreshment shop opposite the cave where you can buy tea, coffee, juice, snacks, noodles, omelet, etc. You can also sit and relax on the chairs and benches there and enjoy the view of Lock Heart Gap.

Malayil Kallan Guha is about 14 kilometers from Munnar town and can be easily reached by bus, cab, or car. The nearest railway station is Aluva Railway Station which is 121 kilometers from the cave. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is 120 kilometers from the cave. The cave is located on Madurai National Highway near Mattupetty in Munnar.

If you have some extra time after visiting Malayil Kallan Guha, you can also check out some other places of interest nearby such as Kundala Lake, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Meesapulimala, and Mattupetty Dam. These are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Munnar that offer beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Malayil Kallan Guha is one of the hidden tourist attractions in Munnar that you should not miss if you are looking for something different and adventurous. It is a great place to take a short break from your journey and enjoy the natural beauty and history of Munnar.