Chennai - Gudiyam Caves - Road Trip

Gudium Caves ( As mentioned by Archaeological Department of Tamilnadu)

This name is not familiar to Chennai people. So, I though I should make this familiar at least among my network. I found a day with awesome weather in Chennai. So, my mind started to think about a long travel in bike to enjoy the weather.

Decided to travel to Gudium Caves. My friend and colleague Kamal joined me happily and we started our trip in Honda Unicorn bike of Kamal's. The destination is more than 70 Km from Guindy. We took the Poonamalle High Road and from there a diversion towards Tiruvallur.

Gudium Caves is known for its 1 lakh year old rock-shelters, statues etc. Prefered for trekkers and who loves to travel.

The travel was very fine as we found a lot of green fields everywhere.

Shivan Temple at Tirumizhisai

Kamal posing after a long drive

Till you reach Tiruvallur, you can't find any ATMs, restaurants, fuel stations(limited) etc. Hotel Akshaya Bhavan was excellent and has good service. Its in Tiruvallur.

After a healthy lunch, we started our trip again. From Tiruvallur, you have to take a right which goes to Poondi reservoir.

It's around 30 minutes travel from there. You can find the reservoir starts in the left side of the road. Lots of Mango trees, palm trees surrounding the reservoir entries. From the main road, you have to take a left turn to reach this Reservoir. Keep in mind that, you must take the left turn. Otherwise the road may take you somewhere.
There are two hair-pin bends before reaching this reservoir. A narrow road wherein only one heavy vehicle can pass.




















Crossing this dam, a road that goes right has to be taken. There will be some direction to reach the Goonipalayam. I don't know whether that place is related to Gudium village. People around the Poondi dam doesn't know clearly about Gudium. Enquired many and continued our travel blindly.

There starts the adventure. The roads are not good after this point. Care has to be taken while driving.


We were travelling for around 10 km and we did'nt find any traces of Gudium Caves or Hills. There was another diversion towards right which took us to the destination. Immediately after taking right, we found the directions for the Gudium Caves for the First time. We felt really happy that we have reached the destination. The place was surrounded with eucalyptus trees.


A 4 km travel after this point. A small village was there. The way we traveled after this village was very bad. Full of rocks.


Better consult some local people in the village before proceeding.

Better come with a good vehicle. Other than bikes for a safe return. We didn't expect such a road with pebbles and sands. After a long hard walk of around 2km, we realized that we can not move with bike after that. A big provision to park vehicles is there. But really it is not safe and there is no other go. So we parked there.




This was the only pattern of soil found there. But there was no big thorns on the paths. Stones colored with white paints directs you to the cave.

Directors to the Cave

A way which goes right and then takes to the top of the hill. Very steep way. We got tired at this point as we didn't take water or food with us. Climbing this way leads you to a big cave wherein lots of small stones are carved in that. It was amazing to see that. But to say in real, everyone will get disappointed to see just the rock-shelters and stones.

























Climbed yet to reach the top of the hill. Total surrounding was viewed at that point. It was awesome to spend time there with cool breeze.


But we totally got exhausted.


We didn't lose our heart. Saw some more places there and then came out of the caves since it was getting dark and there is no one all around the place except the two of us.

This was the only water place we found there.

We drove very fast in search of water. Found water and quenched our thirsts.

It was very exciting for us to cover such an area which is unknown to many people and there are no proper directions.

Take a water bottle and some eatables for sure if you plan to visit this caves. Come in groups which will be safer. Come early and leave early. DO NOT travel alone as Gudium caves is in a forest and no one can come for any assistance early in case of any emergency.


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Our return journey towards Chennai at 100kmph speed.

I was so satisfied with this road trip. I enjoyed the weather, the nature, unknown place. We explored a lot.

Keep reading. Will upload the next post soon after a trip. Keep Smiling :-)