Guna Caves, originally known as The Devil’s Kitchen, is a fascinating and mysterious spot located in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, India. Every year, it attracts many visitors who are eager to explore its depths and learn about its intriguing history.
The caves became famous after being featured in the 1991 Tamil film “Gunaa,” starring Kamal Haasan. The film’s gripping scenes set in the caves captivated audiences, and since then, the location has been popularly called Guna Caves.
The caves have also appeared in other films, such as the Malayalam movies “Shikkar” (2010) and “Manjummel Boys” (2024), the latter based on a real-life accident in the caves.
Guna Caves are known not just for their beauty but also for their danger.
The caves have deep, narrow passages and uneven ground, making them one of the most hazardous cave systems in the world. Many explorers have gone missing here, with police recording 16 disappearances since 2016. Only one person has ever escaped from the depths of the caves, inspiring the story of the film “Manjummel Boys.”
History of Devil’s Kitchen:
First recorded in 1821 by British officer B.S. Ward, the caves remained relatively unknown until the late 1980s.
Their fate changed dramatically in 1991 when they were featured in the Tamil film “Gunaa,” starring Kamal Haasan. The movie brought the caves into the limelight, drawing a steady stream of curious tourists.
The caves have a dark reputation due to numerous mysterious disappearances over the years. Among the most notable cases was the disappearance of a central minister’s nephew in 1996.
Authorities have often been unable to recover bodies from the caves, with some incidents suspected to be suicides and others accidental falls into the cave’s perilous holes.
From the early 2000s to 2016, the caves were officially closed to the public to prevent further tragedies. Despite the closure, many ignored the warnings and continued to explore the caves, resulting in additional fatalities.
By 2016, police records showed that at least 16 people had died in the caves, with only one person, Subhash, surviving after falling into a hole in 2006. His dramatic rescue by his friend Siju David and local authorities became a celebrated event.
The harrowing 2006 incident inspired the 2024 Malayalam movie “Manjummel Boys.” The film, based on Subhash’s story, was shot partly on location in Kodaikanal and in film sets due to safety concerns. Its release further boosted the caves’ popularity, attracting even more visitors.
As of 2024, the road to Guna Caves has been reopened to the public to encourage tourism. However, the entrance to the caves remains closed for safety reasons. Here are some tips for those planning a visit:
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety and respect the closure of the cave entrance. Do not attempt to enter the caves.
- Proper Gear: Wear suitable footwear and clothing for hiking in the area.
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit are during the summer (April to June) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons.