KudaKkallu – Ancient Umbrella Stones of Kerala

The KudaKkallu are ancient umbrella shaped burial sites in Kerala

Kerala is located in the southern part of India. Stunning natural beauty, beaches and a very relaxed way of life typify this land. For this reason, it has become a staple for tourists visiting South India. Many other things make it a much-visited place. For instance, Kathakali, the cuisine, Ayurveda, houseboats, backwaters, etc., are famous across the World. But there are lots of hidden facets of this state and its unique culture.

What are the KudaKkallu

These strange megalithic monuments were possibly ancient burial sites. Because of the structure, they look like giant umbrellas. As a result, the name comes from the shape of the monument. KudaKkallu literally translates to “Umbrella Stones”.

The ancients used to bury their dead. They then put up curvilinear blocks around the hollow space in between. Another block on top to make the whole structure look like an umbrella!

In some sites, the top-block of the Kudakkallu is placed on the ground. This is called a ThoppiKkallu. The literal translation is “Hat stone”.

Where are the KudaKkallu found

The “KudaKkallu” and “ThoppiKkallu” are located mainly in central Kerala, around Thrissur and Kochi. Some of the more prominent locations are Chowwannur, Kandanassery, Porkulam, Kattakampal, Eyyal and Ariyannur.

The Archeological Survey of India estimates the Kodakuthy Kallu or KudaKkallu in KudaKkallu Parambu of Chermanangad in Thrissur district to be over 4000 years old. They believe that the ancients  buried their dead in earthen urns under these stones.

The Kudakkallu now

KudaKkallu Parambu of Chermanangad has 69 megalithic monuments. The government now protects this area. However, much damage has already been done. This is because of vandalism and forces of nature. Rapid urbanization of this agricultural, sleepy village is also putting the site at risk. Kunnambathu Kavu is a small village temple here. A famous village temple festival (Pooram) happens here in mid-April every year. As a result, this is the time of the year that the place becomes busy.

The connection between Kerala and far-off Laos

The KudaKkallu Parambu is very similar to the famous Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, Laos.

There are many acres of the stone burial urns, from the ancient past. Much of it is in ruins from vandalism and war. UNESCO protects most of them now. The purpose of these may be the same as the Kudakkallu of Kerala. However, there is a difference. The fact is, the burial urns in Laos are in the shape of huge stone jars, some with stone lids. The Kudakkallu of Kerala are in the shape of umbrellas…

How to get there

Trains and buses connect most cities in India to Central Kerala in South India. The other, more-famous, attractions of Kerala are also close-by. For instance, it is a short distance from Trivandrum, Kumarakom, Alleppey, Kochi, Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkady and Wayanad.

The nearest major town is Kunnamkulam, Guruvayur and the nearest railway station is Thrissur or Wadakanchery. In case you wish to fly in, the nearest airport is Kochi.

I had traveled there by road from Kochi when I had visited the Kudakkallu.

Why travel to Kerala

Travel to Kerala is all about being with nature. Kudakkallu is a slice of history that you can add to the your Kerala experience. You could look at some of the travel packages to Kerala and add on a couple of days to visit the Kudakkallu – we will be glad to help customize.

Here’s some more information on the unique practice of Bull Surfing in Kerala.

Or maybe you want to check out my trip to the country of Laos and its Plain of Jars?