Borra Caves, Vishakhapatnam
The Borra Caves are arguably the deepest cave in India that goes to a depth of 80 meters. The caves are covered with stalagmites and stalactites due to the limestone content in the walls. The caves are also a revered Hindu pilgrimage spot due to the presence of several stalagmite lingams, the representation of Lord Shiva.
Borra Caves are located about 90 kms. north of Vishakapatnam in the Ananthgiri Hill Ranges of Eastern Ghats of India. It falls in the State of Andhra Pradesh. William King, the British geologist discovered the cave in 1807. It is a naturally formed cave believed to be 150 million years old. The Humic acid in the water reacts with the Calcium Carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually.
Description
The perennial water flow over millions of years resulted in the formation of the caves. The water percolating from the roof of the cave containing calcium bi-carbonate and other minerals form mounds on the cave ground called “Stalagmites” and spear like structures hanging from the roof called “Stalagcites.” The total length of the Borra Caves is about 200 meters and the Dandakaranya – Bolangir – Kibur train track passes over the caves. The local hill tracts are inhabited by the Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora etc. tribals. Indian Anthropologists have also found stone tools of middle Paleolithic Age dating back to 30000 to 50000 years indicating human habitation in the caves.
Other Attractions
• Tyda Park
• Araku Valley
• Ananthagiri
• Gosthani River
• Tribal Museum
• Coffee Plantations
• Katiki waterfalls
• Dumbriguda Waterfalls
• Bheemili Beach
• Chaparai Waterfalls
Accommodation
Haritha Resort, Araku
For tourists visiting Borra Caves in Andhra Pradesh’s Vishakapatnam district, Haritha Resort, Araku is a charming resort offering a remarkable atmosphere amidst the abundance of nature. The enchanting hotel is located in a wonderful setting, with each and every room offering a spectacular view of the Eastern Ghats.
Borra Caves are located at a distance of 92 Km north of Visakhapatnam. The caves open with 100 meter on horizontal plane and about 75 meters on vertical plane. These caves spread over an area of one square KM and the origin of river Gosthani which flows through the district. This you must see if you are in Araku Valley or in Visakhapatnam. This location is at a height of 800 to 1300 meters from MSL. William King the British geologist discovered this million years old cave in the year 1807.
Breathtaking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forests, and wild fauna of the area are a visual feast. This cave is the biggest in India considering the area it has spread geographically.
Borra caves entrance
The humic acid in the water reacts with calcium carbonate in the limestone and dissolves the minerals breaking the rock gradually. The perennial water flow over a period of time results in the formation of caves. Stalagmites are formed due water percolating from the roof containing calcium bicarbonate and other minerals from mounds. Same way stalactites are also formed and because of their different shapes tourist and locals have given different names to them. One can see different formations of the stalactites and stalagmites as Shiv-Parvati, Mother-Child, Rishi’s Beard, Human Brain, Crocodile, Tiger and Cows udder.
On your journey to Araku by train you can see picturesque Landscape with greenery, peaks and valleys. Before reaching Borra Guhalu Railway station the train passes through 42 tunnels. Before Borra Caves you can take a jeep ride to Katiki Waterfall.
