Weather :
Label : Top Attraction
Tags : Cave
Timings : 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Time Required : 1-2 hrs
Entry Fee : Indians: INR 50,
Foreign Nationals: INR 300
Planning a Trip? Ask Your Question
Located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Belum Caves are the largest and longest cave system in India still open for the tourists. The second largest caves in India after the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya and famous for their unique formations such as stalactite and stalagmite formations, the caves were formed over a period of millions of years with the consequent formation of limestone. One of the centrally protected monuments of national importance, the Belum Caves has numerous pathways with intricate patterns of water stream on limestone which are bound to leave you awestruck over the sheer will of nature and the beauty it can create. As of this date, more than three and a half kilometres of the cave has been successfully explored of which only a kilometer and half is accessible to common tourists.
At some places, the depth of Belum Caves goes as deep as 46 meters, this point is known as Pataalaganga. An underground stream flows all year at this point, gliding over the rocks and hiding beneath the surface again. The cave consists of various long passages, galleries, large cavities with fresh water and water tunnels. There are three spectacular sinkholes. The caves are an absolute feast for Geologists as there are three spectacular sinkholes formed due to the movement of subterranean water flow. An enormous forty feet high statue of Lord Buddha was installed outside the caves to commemorate the roles of monks in the caves.
Air: The nearest airport is at Hyderabad, a train to Kurnool can be boarded thereafter. Once can also hire a direct taxi to Kurnool and then to Belum.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Tadipathri, it is 30kms away from the caves. Buses and autos are available to cover the rest of the journey. One can also get down at Gooty station, public transport like shared autos, cabs and taxies along with state buses are available from here to reach the caves.
Road: Hyderabad is 350kms away from Belum while Bangalore is 250kms by road. The nearest bus station is Tadipathri, which has frequent bus service from the major parts of the city. The journey hereon, can be undertaken by shared autos and cabs.