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Caving in India
Caves have been around since 200 BC. Today they are a tourist destination but they have also been examples of brilliant architecture. Caves in the pre-historic times were built for the purposes of shelter and if mythology be believed most of them were abodes of Gods and Goddesses. There are innumerable caves in India but some that have gained world wide popularity are the caves of Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta, Amarnath, Udaigiri, Patal Bhuvaneshwar and Aurangabad caves.
The study of caves is called Speleology. The academic significance of these caves has attracted several cavers from across the globe. For past few years though caving has also been enjoyed by the brave few as an adventure activity. And when it comes to caving in India tourists go straight to Meghalaya- the land of caves or Bangalore.
Belum Caves
Situated in Kurnool district, 270 km from Bangalore, Belum Caves are 3.5 long and are the second longest after Krem Um Lawan of Meghalaya. Only 2 km of the total Belum Caves is open for tourists. A certain things to be kept in mind are: You cannot go inside without a guide and are definitely not allowed to wander around freely. The cave has three entry points out of which one is converted into main entrance.
Belum caves have low ceilings where you might be required to crawl at certain places. The cave has some interesting stalactites and stalagmites formations in a chamber which is known as Kotilingalu. The entrance to it is called Simhadwaram. Another chamber inside is called Saptasvarala Guha or Musical because the limestone formations tinkle. The cave also has a stream at the deepest point Pathalaganga.
Caves for Spelunkers and Explorers
Meghalaya is probably the ‘state of caves’ of the north east. The Meghalayan caves are generally found in Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills and the Garo Hills. The most famous caves are Siju-Dobkhakol, Krem Mawnluh, Krem Phyllut, Krem Soh Shympi, Krem Dam, Tetengkol-Balwakol, Dobhakol Chibe Nala etc. These caves provide an indomitable adventure to the cavers. Krem Mawnluh is the 4th longest cave in world. All of these caves are used by spelunkers quite often. Except Krem Mawnluh none of the caves have proper lightings. The dark interiors make the caving even more demanding. The murky and cavernous surface of the caves makes caving an exhilarating activity.
Antergange Hills
Forests are dotted with thorn scrubs in between volcanic rocks and boulders present a tempting landscape where diverse adventure activities can be undertaken. The hills provide a supreme site for Outbound Training and Excursions.
In the caves you can get to indulge in other adventure activities as trekking, rock climbing, over night camping, night navigation and cave exploration.
Aurangabad
The most popular attractions around Aurangabad are the Ajanta Caves. These are 107 km away from Aurangabad. These caves are some of the finest examples of Buddhist architectures, cave paintings and sculptures. There are some shrines inside the caves dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas. Ajanta is declared as a World Heritage Site as it protects the artistic legacy for so many centuries.
The second most popular attraction around Aurangabad is Ellora Caves 26 km north of Aurangabad. There are 34 caves in total out of which 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Ellora too has been chosen a World Heritage Site.
Caves for Tourists
Badami Caves
Badami Caves were found by Pulekeshin I more than 1000 years back. These caves presents the great mix of the architectural plan of the north India and south India Nagara.
Situated on the Elephanta Island in the Arabian Sea, elephanta caves are half an hour away by boat. In 1987, the Elephanta caves were affirmed as a world heritage by UNESCO World Heritage Site. These caves were coined as Elephanta caves by a Portuguese explorer because he discovered a huge elephant stone here.
Nelliteertha
Situated in Nellitheertha, Karnataka, the cave is 200 meters in length. The cave temple is from the year 1487. This cave was believed to be used by Sage Jabali to carry out his sacrament to express his gratification to Lord Durga Parameshwari.
About the Author
THRILLOPHILIA deals with adventure-related activities on a pan-India level. Be its Rafting in the Tons or in the Kali River at Dandeli, Camel Safari in Ladakh or in the Thar Desert, Trekking around Bangalore or Ladakh, Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep or Andaman, we cater it all. We also have some fabulous Biking trips, Caving, Wildlife, Paragliding and many more adrenaline pumping adventure sports. India, having varied landscapes happens to be one of the finest destinations in the world for adventure.
Bridge Lake BC Boating with BOOMER and MELINDA