Situated in the Tiruvallur district around 60 km from Chennai, the Gudiyam Caves beckons you to the relics of stone age. These heritage caves manifests more than a trek destination to an archaeological marvel, providing insights into the lives of our stone age ancestors. Formed by natural processes, these limestone caves once were bustling sites of human activity, evident from the prehistoric stone tools and cultural artefacts.
Maximum Elevation: 141 MSL(Approx.) Meters
Nearby Medical Facility: Katchur primary health center - 12 km
Nearby Bus Stand: Thiruvallur - 22 km
Nearby Airport: Chennai - 70 km
Nearby Railway Station: Thiruvallur - 24 km
Parking Facilities: Yes
We were a group of 25 who had booked this during the mid of December 2024. The booking experience was good. The helpline guys of TrekTamilnadu were very helpful. Generally, the Trek operates only over weekend. Since we were a group of 25, they were kind enough to open it for us on midweek. We reached the place and the entry is good. A welcome kit is given. Full marks there. Safety is well taken care of as Forest guards accompany us and also the trail is well-marked. They have a women guard as well. So It should be fine for women-only groups as well. It takes 3-5 hours based on how fast you are. It is pretty flat for most of the trek and has a bit of ascent in some places. It could be a brief intro to trekking if incase one wants to go on future treks. There is a watch tower and also a viewing point to get a nice view of the area. There are two caves as well. Cave 2 is a bit bigger. You cannot make any noise as there are alot of honeybees near Cave 2. My only suggestion would be for the guides to be a bit proactive in explaining things and setting the pace. They do converse occasionally and explain things. But it would be better if they were more informative. Please get food and go as there is nothing available in that area. A restroom is available for Male/Female. It is clean as of now. It would be nice if they maintain it in the future. There is no water in the trail and is available for filling at the start point. Overall, our team was very happy and we would rate the experience 4.5/5. Best wishes to TrekTamilnadu for their initiative.
Very safe for women & everyone. We visited on 24/Nov/2024 in 8.00 AM slot. From entrance, throughout the trek until the time we left they were super friendly and respectful. We were a trio girl group aged 26, we got a lady guide with us, Sudha was super cute and knowledgeable about the site. In fact she and other 2 guides came till main road to send us back in auto safely. It's better to start at 7 am slot as it gets very hot later. Carry atleast 2 litres of water per person. Wear a good trekking shoes otherwise it gets difficult. They served a hot ready to eat breakfast on top of a cave mountain. The view was breathtaking. Good trek for nature lovers. Eventually at the end of the trek, you will understand the importance of co-exsisting and loving the nature for a better future. Chennai people can book cab directly, but while returning u will have to take share auto and bus to tiruvallur from their cab is available.
Account creation and booking process was very smooth. The reception point can be easily reached by private transport only. The Google map route is perfect with reception upto the end. There is a clean toilet at the reception area. The trail is mostly flat. In some places it is single file only and in many places there are large pebbles and loose gravel so you need to wear suitable shoes. The forest guards accompanying the trip being local have very good local knowledge and also very well equipped to handle visitors. The breakfast pack provided included a dehydrated poha pack for which the trek guides carry hot water. There are no paleolithic tool remains on site that we can see. There are about 16 caves on site but only 2 open for entry. The views are breath taking. Many parts of the trail have forest cover but a large part is exposed to the sun. We will definitely be back and also explore other trails managed by Trek Tamilnadu!
It's better to start at 7 am slot as it gets very hot later. Carry atleast 2 litres of water per person. Wear a good trekking shoes otherwise it gets difficult. The guides are friendly. They served a hot ready to eat breakfast on top of a cave mountain. The view was breathtaking. Good trek for friends and families. You will also learn about the importance of this place.
We visited Gudiyam on 3rd Nov, 2024. Need to book ticket online before coming. Trek starts at 7am. Only 1 timing available, after that it will be too hot to trek. Search for Gudiyam caves reception point in map, thats starting point. Need to come in own vehicles, no public transport. We went to Poondi east bunt and took Nambakkam road from there by car. The trek was awesome! The walk inside the forest for 2kms was heaven, very peaceful. They give light food which is good for breakfast. Carry some snacks and 2 litres water for each. Wear good shoes. Trekking is easy, the trek supervisors will help you throughout. There is a watch tower showing complete view. Clean Toilet is available at starting point. Parking space is there. By 12.30pm max, the Trek gets over. Safe for ladies travelling solo, but bring friends, you will enjoy!