Kottukal Cave, nestled in the Western Ghats, is said to be the haunt of a restless spirit. The story goes that, many years ago, a young man named Ravi lived in a nearby village. He was known for his curiosity and his adventurous spirit. One evening, he heard villagers talk about a hidden treasure buried deep within the Kottukal Cave, a dark, mysterious place that no one dared to enter after sunset. The cave was believed to be the home of a vengeful spirit.

Ignoring the warnings, Ravi decided to explore the cave in search of the treasure. Armed with nothing more than a lantern and his courage, he ventured into the cave. As he descended deeper, he noticed strange markings on the walls, symbols that seemed to shimmer faintly in the dim light. The deeper he went, the colder it became, and an uneasy feeling began to creep over him.

Suddenly, he heard a faint whisper. Thinking it was just the wind, Ravi pressed on, but the whispers grew louder. They began to form words, calling his name in a low, menacing voice. Ravi stopped dead in his tracks, realizing he wasn't alone. As he turned around, he saw a figure emerge from the shadows - pale, translucent, and draped in tattered robes. The figure's eyes were hollow, and it reached out toward him with skeletal hands.

Ravi tried to flee, terrified, but the cave seemed to stretch on endlessly. No matter how fast he ran, he couldn't escape. The ghost followed him, its eerie whispers growing louder with each step. In a panic, Ravi dropped his lantern, and the darkness swallowed him whole.

The next day, villagers found his lifeless body at the cave's entrance. His eyes were wide with terror, and his expression was frozen in fear. Since then, the cave has remained a forbidden place. The ghost of the Kottukal Cave is said to haunt the area still, its whispers carrying on the wind, waiting for another curious soul to wander too close.

To this day, no one dares to venture into the cave after sunset, for fear that the ghost will come for them, just as it did for Ravi.