The Amazing World Travel: Borra Caves: Nature’s Underground Marvel in Andhra Pradesh

The Borra Caves is picturesque Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku Valley, the Borra Caves are a stunning natural wonder located in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Famous for their impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, these caves are a testament to the beauty hidden beneath the Earth's surface. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Borra Caves have something for everyone.

Key Highlights

Location: Araku Valley, Ananthagiri Hills, Andhra Pradesh
Altitude: Approximately 705 meters (2,313 feet) above sea level
Discovered By: British geologist William King in 1807
Age: Estimated to be over 150 million years old

Geological Significance

The Borra Caves are limestone caves formed by the perennial flow of the Gosthani River, which carved its way through the rock over millions of years. The caves boast breathtaking stalactites (formations hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (formations rising from the floor). These formations take on shapes resembling animals, humans, and other mystical figures, sparking the imagination of visitors.

The caves are located in the Araku Valley of the Ananthagiri hill range and is drained by the Gosthani River. At the entry, the cave measures up to 100 m (330 ft) horizontally and 75 m (246 ft) vertically. Stalagmite and stalactite formations are found in the caves.The average annual temperature of Araku hills, where the caves are situated, is about 25 °C (77 °F). The average annual rainfall reported is 950 mm (3.12 ft) (mostly occurring during the northeast monsoon). The Gosthani river provides water supply to the Visakhapatnam city.

The caves are deep and totally aphotic. There is an area in the caves with limited light penetration. The stalactites seen in the caves are about 0.1 to 3.5 m (0.3 to 11.5 ft) in length while the stalagmites are 1.2 m (3.9 ft) long and columns are 6 m (20 ft) in height and 0.75 m (2.5 ft) in width. The height of the cave is 12 m (39 ft) and the length is about 200 m (660 ft). The average temperature of the inner cave wall is reported to be about 16 °C (61 °F). Sulfur springs discharge into the cave passages causing corrosion of limestone. The spring waters display floating mucus-like biofilms.

The regional geology in the Eastern Ghats mobile belt, where the caves are located, is represented by the khondalite suite of rocks (garnetiferrous sillimanite gneisses, quartzo-feldsphatic garnet gneisses) of Archaen age. Quaternary deposits consist of red bed sediments, laterites, pediment fans, colluvium, alluvium and coastal sands. The caves in the reserved forest area basically host a variety of speleothems of various sizes and irregularly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The carbonate rocks are pure white, and coarsely crystalline and the deformed and banded marbles cover a triangular area of two km2 (0.77 sq mi); surrounded by diopside–scapolite–feldspar calc-granulites. The pyroxenite outcrops are dark and massive and include discontinuous calc-silicate bands, some of brown mica and others with calcite. These are thick orange microbial mats (2.5 to 3 cm [1.0 to 1.2 in] thick) with patches of yellow biofilms extending 3 m (9.8 ft) from the aphotic deep cave orifice. While the caves are basically limestone formations, the area surrounding these are of mica formations which are prospected for precious stones like rubies.

Mythology and Local Legends

The caves are steeped in local mythology. One popular legend is that a cow fell into the cave through a hole in its roof, revealing the entrance. A Shiva Lingam was found inside, leading to the construction of a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, making the site sacred for devotees.

Hindu God Lord Shiva, is found deep in the caves and above which is a stone formation of a cow (Sanskrit: Kamadhenu). It is surmised that the udder of this cow is the source of the Gosthani (Sanskrit: Cow's udder) River which originates from here, flows through Vizianagram and Visakhapatnam districts before emptying into the Bay of Bengal near Bheemunipatnam.

Tourist Information

How to Reach

By Air: Nearest airport – Visakhapatnam Airport (approx. 90 km)
By Train: Borra Guhalu Railway Station is the nearest station, located a short distance from the caves.
By Road: Well-connected via road to Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, and nearby towns.

Timings and Entry Fees

Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Nominal charges for adults, children, and camera/video equipment.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to explore the caves is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant, and the surrounding landscapes are lush and green.

What to Expect Inside the Caves

The Borra Caves span over 1 kilometer and are illuminated by artificial lights, adding a mystical aura to the interiors. Key attractions include:

Stalagmite Formations: Some are believed to resemble Shiva Lingams.
Natural Light Effects: A skylight opening creates an enchanting interplay of sunlight and shadows.
Mysterious Depths: The caves extend to a depth of 80 meters, making them one of the deepest caves in India.

Activities Around Borra Caves

Exploring Araku Valley: Famous for its coffee plantations and scenic views.
Trekking: Several trails surround the caves, offering adventure enthusiasts a chance to explore the Ananthagiri Hills.
Tribal Museum: Learn about the local tribal culture and traditions.

Tips for Visitors

Wear comfortable shoes as the caves involve some climbing and uneven surfaces.
Carry a flashlight for better visibility, as parts of the caves can be dimly lit.
Be cautious of slippery areas, especially during the monsoon.
Respect the natural environment and avoid littering inside the caves.

Conclusion

The Borra Caves are a captivating blend of nature, history, and spirituality. Whether you're marveling at the stunning formations, soaking in the serene surroundings, or delving into local legends, a visit to these caves is an unforgettable experience. Make sure to add this destination to your bucket list when exploring Andhra Pradesh.