ROYAL CAVE - 1.5 km. A large cave that can house almost 50 people, in the Rajamudi Tea Garden between Vazhikadavu and Ranimudi tea estate has been attracting tourists and historians for many years. It is believed to have been a refuge of fleeing Pandian royal family members from Madurai, who eventually established themselves in Poonjar in the year 1189. Kottathavalam nearby is believed to have ben their temporary abode. The figurines of Kannagi and Meenakshi on its walls and the stone steps laid out for the royals to reach the Meenachil rivulet are testimony to the existence of ancient elephant routes used by the spice merchants from the Pandyan Empire. A new Durga Devi temple has come up at the foothills of the cave in 2008.