The Devil's Kitchen aka Guna caves in Kodaikanal are going viral again. With the hit film Manjummel Boys directed by Chidambaram, Guna Caves is once again on the bucket list of tourists.

Devil's Kitchen

Guna Caves are located at a distance of 8.5 km from Kodaikanal. One has to walk 400 meters to reach the main entrance. In 1821, the British named the cave as Devil's Kitchen. English officer BS Ward was the one who discovered this mysterious and mystifying place. Devil's Kitchen or Guna Caves are at an altitude of 2230 meters above sea level. The atmosphere inside and outside the cave is frosty and cold.

At the entrance of the cave are two rocks standing in the shape of columns. This place is full of trees, grass and long roots. Inside the cave are many dark chambers. The interior is also home to bats.

As you go deeper into the cave, the oxygen level decreases. There are stories that the Pandavas used to stay in this cave and cook and eat their food during their exile period.

Kanmani, Anpod...

In 1991, the name of the cave was changed from Devil's Kitchen to Guna Cave with the Kamal Haasan starrer Guna. The beautiful song 'Kanmani.... Anpod Kathalan' from the movie was shot in this cave. Along with the song becoming a hit, Devil's Kitchen Cave also became a big hit. Since then, the flow of tourists started. Ignoring the danger warnings of the authorities, many people started descending into the cave. According to the official figures of the Tamil Nadu government, 13 people have died from falling inside the cave.

In 2006, a man from a group of 11 members from Ernakulam Manjummel had an accident in the cave and finally escaped. Manjummel Boys, which is running in packed theaters, is based on this incident. The Tamil Nadu government closed the cave for 10 years as tourists violated the instructions and got into accidents. Entry was allowed later but only to see the cave from a distance.

Visiting hours are from 8 am to 4 pm. Entry fee is Rs 5 per person. 10 rupees if camera is also included.