Caving, also known as spelunking, has emerged as a niche activity with its own set of rules and expertise. This thrilling activity consists of people exploring caverns and caves with advanced technology and modern devices. Caving in India is a relatively new phenomenon with ample potential. With its vast cave systems and complex caverns across the length and breadth of the country, caving in India is only set to boom.
Curated here is a list of these natural splendours that you may want to know about to get yourself acquainted with caving in India. You can then merge your interest in travel and love for adventure by visiting any of the caves listed below.
Read on to start caving in India:
1. Robber’s Cave
Robber’s Cave combines the magnificence of nature and local lore like no other. Locals believe the caves were used by robbers to hide their loot during the British era. Within a deep but narrow gorge where water gushes forth, visitors can witness the visual spectacle of nature in this cave. There is adventure, thrill and some quiet time outdoors. What more do you need?
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 35 per person
How to get there: At a distance of 8 km from Dehradun city, which is connected to cities like Delhi via railway station, you can take a taxi to the nearest stop and trek for 1 km to the caves.
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2. Edakkal Caves
The Edakkal Caves are located in the Wayanad district of Kerala. These natural caves were also shelters for the early humans as proven by the drawings on the walls dated to about 6000 BCE, from the Neolithic Age. This fascinating mix of nature and human history is sure to enthrall you and give you a great travel experience. Apart from the engravings, a grave site has been discovered nearby which has also been a source of endless fascination and mystery.
Timings: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 50 per person
How to get there: The closest railway station is in Kozhikode connected to many cities. From here you can take a taxi to Wayanad and from there an easy trek to the caves.
3. Yana Caves
Yana Caves is located in Karnataka and the village itself is the wettest and cleanest place in Karnataka. A short hike from the village leads you to the caves which are actually two magnificent rocky outcrops. It is this outcrop that has been a source of awe for many while also being a holy site. It is made out of karst limestone and the entire area belongs to the Western Ghats which makes the landscape rich in flora and fauna.
Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 5 per person
How to get there: Buses and trains go to Gokarna from where it is a 1 hr drive or a trek to the Caves.
4. Belum Caves
Belum Caves is located in Andhra Pradesh and has the distinction of being the second-largest cave system on the Indian subcontinent! This intricate system of caves was formed due to the underground river system of the now-disappeared river Chitravathi. Furthermore, several relics have been found that hint the caves were used as shelter by various Buddhist monks. Due to centuries of isolation, the innermost parts of the cave are found to have unique faunal specimens. A few hours from Bengaluru, it makes an ideal weekend getaway along with the nearby Gandikota Canyon.
Timings: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 60 per person
How to get there: Tadipatri is the nearest bus stop from where you can take a taxi to the caves.
5. Mawsmai Caves
Mawsmai Caves, located in the gorgeous state of Meghalaya is a popular tourist haunt. With this, novices are provided with a good start to the exciting activity of caving in India. Surrounded by plenty of lush greenery, the area itself is pleasant to visit. It is open to tourists, and the most interesting parts of the caves are lit so that people can enjoy the intricate limestone formations inside.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 20 for adults, Rs 50 for camera
How to get there: Take a taxi to Cherrapunji from Shillong and from there it is 4.2 km to the caves.
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6. Krem Liat Prah
Krem Liat Prah is another option for the thrill of caving in India. This is one of the most popular caves in Meghalaya for thrill-seekers and adventurers. Furthermore, the entirety of the cave is not yet explored. Consisting of one of the deepest cave systems in India, there are many of them and each of them has beauteous stalactites and stalagmite formations. This cave is, therefore, a must-explore for those wanting to try out caving in India.
Timings: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
How to get there: The cave is in East Jaintia Hills which is 58 km from Shillong. You can take a taxi to the caves.
7. Kotumsar Caves
A lesser-known but featured on the top lists of those who want to try caving in India is the Kotumsar Caves in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. These caves have been open to tourists but for the locals they have some religious significance. Several chambers have been unearthed but due to some difficulty in accessing it, they are not open to tourists. These caves are closed during monsoons due to intense flooding that lasts till October. However, for the rest of the year, it is open to everyone.
Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 25 per person
How to get there: Jagdalpur is well-connected by trains to Visakhapatnam and Raipur. From here you can take a taxi to the caves.
8. Borra Caves
The Borra Caves are located in the Ananthagiri Hills of Andhra Pradesh. These cave systems are some of the largest in the country and have a fascinating array of stalactites and stalagmites formation making it a haven for those interested in caving in India. These also have some of the deepest caves with religious significance and the villagers have built a small Shiva temple for the same. A few legends and lores are associated with the cave for centuries. You can enjoy both, the natural formations and the age-old myths for a wholesome experience of caving in India!
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry fee: Rs 60 per person
How to get there: Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the nearest station which is connected to most major railway stations in India. From here, you can take a taxi to the caves.
India’s caves are found in many places: from the mountains of Uttarakhand to the Western Ghats of Kerela and the biodiversity-rich state of Meghalaya. Wait no further and jump into this exhilarating activity of Caving in India, now! Furthermore, with 1000+ Treebo Hotels across 120+ locations, find comfortable and affordable stays wherever you go.