Guna Caves Kodaikanal: History, Mystery, Deaths & Manjummel Boys Real Story | Devil’s Kitchen
Nestled in the misty hills of Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, lies one of South India’s most enigmatic and dangerous natural wonders – the Guna Caves, popularly known as Devil’s Kitchen or ഗുണ ഗുഹ in Malayalam.
What started as a quiet geological formation became legendary after featuring in Kamal Haasan’s 1992 Tamil film Gunaa. The movie’s iconic song “Kanmani Anbodu Kathalan” was shot here, turning the site into “Guna Caves” forever.
But beneath its cinematic beauty lies a dark reality: a deep, narrow pit over 600 feet (around 200 meters) that has claimed at least 13 lives and inspired the blockbuster Malayalam film Manjummel Boys (2024).
What Makes Guna Caves So Unique?
The cave consists of three giant rock pillars creating a narrow, vertical shaft. Visitors must climb down using the rocks – a risky maneuver even for experienced trekkers.
- Depth & Structure: The pit drops sharply into darkness with almost no natural light after the first few meters.
- Nickname Origin: Locals called it “Devil’s Kitchen” due to strange sounds (wind + echoes) resembling cooking or eerie whispers.
- Scientific Mystery: Some explain the depth with underground streams or karst formations, while others call it bottomless in folklore.
After Gunaa, tourists flocked here, but accidents rose sharply.
The Tragic History & Deaths
Over the years, at least 13 people have died after falling into the abyss. Only five bodies were recovered in some cases – the rest remain lost in the depths due to inaccessibility.
In 2006, a group of friends from Manjummel, Kochi (Kerala) visited. One friend, Subhash, slipped and fell deep. His friends mounted a daring 24+ hour rescue – one of them descended into the pit with a rope. Miraculously, only one person escaped alive from such depths ever recorded here.
This true story became the heart of Manjummel Boys (starring Soubin Shahir), making Guna Caves explode in popularity again in 2024.
Why Entry is Now Restricted
After multiple fatalities and the Manjummel Boys effect, authorities fenced the area and banned direct entry into the pit. You can still view it from nearby viewpoints (Moir Point trail), but climbing down is prohibited and patrolled.
Trespassers have been arrested – so admire from a safe distance!
How to Visit Guna Caves Safely
- Location: 6–7 km from Kodaikanal Lake, near Pillar Rocks.
- Best Time: October–June (avoid monsoon slippery rocks).
- Tips: Go with a guide, wear good shoes, stay behind barriers. Combine with Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks & Bryant Park.
- Note for Malayalis: Many Kerala tourists visit Kodai – respect rules to avoid tragedy.
Final Thoughts
Guna Caves blend breathtaking beauty, Bollywood/Tollywood/Mollywood fame, and spine-chilling danger. Whether you’re a Manjummel Boys fan or adventure seeker, it’s a place that reminds us nature can be unforgiving.
Have you visited Kodaikanal or seen Manjummel Boys? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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