The prehistoric Gudiyam rock shelters, located in the Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, about 85 kilometers from Chennai, are now open to tourists. The district forest authorities completed renovations in June, transforming the site into a significant tourist and cultural heritage destination. Visitors can now enjoy a newly designed entrance, a vehicle for transporting tourists, rest sheds, and a watchtower. The department is charging a fee of INR 200 per visit to access the rock shelters area. The distance from the entrance to the rock shelters is 4 kilometers, with transportation available to the halfway point. Tourists must trek the remaining 2 kilometers accompanied by a forest guard or a watcher.
The rock shelters offer a glimpse into the lives of people who lived during the Stone Age. Archaeologist T K V Rajan explains that there are more than a dozen rock shelters in the Gudiyam area, with only two currently open to visitors. The location was first discovered in 1956 by former Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official V D Krishnaswamy. Eight years later, another ASI official, Banerjee, conducted excavations at the site.
Rajan believes the department should create brochures and pamphlets to inform visitors about the site’s history. Souvenirs such as hand axes and cleavers, tools once used by the inhabitants of the rock shelters, would also enhance the tourist experience.
Rock shelters are particularly popular among foreign tourists, and Rajan believes marketing efforts could attract even more visitors interested in archaeology and history. He notes that administrators and political leaders show limited interest in prehistoric archaeology. Additionally, ASI has been unable to conduct extensive research on the site, potentially due to insufficient funding.
The opening of the Gudiyam rock shelters provides a unique opportunity for tourists to connect with India’s rich prehistoric past. However, it is crucial to invest in promotion, research, and preservation to ensure this valuable site is properly showcased and protected for generations to come.
