Journey To The Famous Caves In India
It comes with no surprise when we say that India is an incredible country. From marveling landscape and imposing monuments to other age-old heritage sites, it is a must-visit destination for all. Hailing as one of the oldest civilizations, it has also manifested super-natural wonders to the world. Few of those are prehistoric, enthralling, and mysterious caves buried beneath the picturesque hills, valleys, or forests in this vast country. Visit other famous caves in India besides the Ajanta, Ellora, and Elephanta caves for an unparalleled experience. Marvel at some of the finest arts, paintings and carvings that date back to early civilization.
Famous Caves In India
01. Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra
The most iconic group of caves, the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves in Maharashtra are the most sought-after caves in India. Owing to their religious significance to the Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, they are three of the most popular UNESCO world heritage sites and best caves sites to visit in India. These ancient rock-cut caves have th e finest arts, paintings and sculptures depicting gods and goddesses. Ajanta caves have around 30 rock-cut caves significant to the Buddhists. The Ellora caves have about 34 that are influential to the three religious communities. While Elephanta caves have 7 rock-cut caves with its main cave laden with beautiful hand-carved sculptures of the Hindu god, Lord Shiva.
02. Liat Prah, Meghalaya
The State of Meghalaya is often reputed as home to some of the complex cave systems on earth. One of such is the Liat Prah, the world’s longest and largest cave in India. It is about 24.5 km long and covers an area of 13 sq. km in the world’s wettest and most beautiful region of Mawsynram. This maze-like cave has more than a hundred passages and long stretches of corridors probably interconnected in a big network. This massive cave carries deep rivers, a beautiful chasm and some of the finest stalagmites and stalactites. Because of its complex features, the Liat Prah limestone caves system draws an inevitable attraction from everywhere to study and explore.
03. Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir
One of the outstanding caves in India is Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir. It sits high above 3888 m above sea level and is 141 km away from Srinagar. Amarnath Caves is one of the holiest caves for the Hindus purely dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is more significant because of the huge ice stalagmite resembling Shiva Linga in the main cave making it a renowned pilgrimage spot. The massive Shiva Linga changes shapes according to the cycle of the Moon. During the annual Amarnath Yatra and Maha Shivaratri, thousands of pilgrims and visitors flock here despite the extreme weather situations to see the admirable events and pay homage to the holy shrine.
04. Naida Caves, Diu
A stripling cave tucked beside the pristine Dui Fort in Dui Island in Gujarat is the Naida Caves. This remarkable labyrinth of caves is one of the most popular caves to visit in India. Said to have been discovered by the Portuguese while gathering stone to build the fort, it is a heart-warming off-beat destination mostly loved by avid explorers and adventurers alike. Visiting at the time of noon is superbly ideal to see the drapple effect.
05. Bhimbedka Caves, Madhya Pradesh
Bhimbedka Caves near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh is a less-known UNESCO site discovered in 1957. Dwelling inside the Ratapani Wildlife sanctuary, it gives eminence to the world as one of the surviving ancient rock caves in India. There are about 700 chambers still concealed amidst the foothills and forests of the Vindhya mountain. Certainty fascinating, these caves were once sheltering chambers to the Pandavas during their exile from the epic tale of Mahabharata.
06. Udayagiri Caves, Andhra Pradesh
Claiming as one of the major tourist attractions, Udayaghiri Caves holds a captivating credit for religious and archaeological implications. Slumbering beneath the lush greenery in the countryside of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, it is a perfect melange of natural and artificial rock chambers with engrossing formations, paintings, arts, and sculptures. Basically built to shelter the Jain Monks, these beautiful caves are revered by the Hindus and the Jains. These attributes make them one of the most famous caves in India. Also, these caves are known to exist from the Gupta Period around 350-550 CE. The Avatar of Vishnu Boar which stood as tall as 5 feet is one of the significant attractions in Udayagiri Caves.
Also Read This- ANTARA GANGE – GRAND ENTRANCE TO KASHI OF THE SOUTH
07. Kutumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh
Kutumsar Caves in Chattisgarh is a natural underground limestone cave known to be a million years old. The ravishing forms of stalagmites and stalactites inside the chambers are major attractions in these caves. Moreover, pilgrims and tourists come to see the incredible Shiv Linga at the end of the 1327 m long series of caves. However, entering this cave is challenging as the entry is narrow, slippery and dark where without any local guide it is quite threatening to proceed. Due to the difficulty level of adventure, tourists must take serious precautions before entering the cave.
08. Khangkhui Cave, Manipur
Topping the list in the Manipur Tourism, Khangkhui Cave or Khangkhui Mangsor in Ukhrul is a natural limestone cave. Inviting naturalists and archaeologists worldwide, it is one of the popular caves around North-East regions. It is also one of the most audacious and mysterious caves ever to exist in India. Archaeologists have excavated evidence of habitats during the stone-age era. And almost recently, this cave was a hideout place for the locals during World War II. Rising its popularity, it has got so much tourism potentiality for its unique formation and complexity. Kahangkhui cave is worth visiting as there are other nearby attractions like Shirui Hills, the abode of Shirui Lilies. Meanwhile, for avid adventurers who dare to challenge any claustrophobia, Kahngkhui cave is an ideal spot to explore.