I have always been fascinated by the stories buried deep in the caves within the earth. For me, caves are not just a geological wonder but they also connect us with history, nature and the people who have lived alongside this subterranean marvel for centuries. When I set out to explore Borra Caves, located in the Ananthagiri Hills in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, I was already impressed by the beautiful roads, rolling hills and dense forests that lead to the caves.
Borra Caves, or locally Borra Guhalu, are among India’s most fascinating natural cave formations. In Telugu, borra translates to "something that has drilled into the earth," while guhalu means "caves." According to the Visakhapatnam District Tourist Promotion Council, these limestone caves are estimated to be around 150 million years old. Over centuries, streams carving through the hills have shaped these magnificent caves, which eventually lead into the Gosthani River.
Borra Caves are the deepest limestone caves in India, extending to a depth of 80 m. Today, these caves are a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers. With a well-lit pathway extending about 1.2 km into the caves, I observed intricate rock formations created by nature. As I stepped inside, a rush of cool, damp air hit my skin, a stark contrast to the humid warmth outside.
The caves opened up into a massive chamber embellished with stalactites and stalagmites, each formation a witness to the slow, patient creation by nature. As the sound of dripping water echoed through the cavern, I realised that even in stillness, the earth is constantly shaping itself.
Excavations by Andhra University have uncovered stone tools dating back 30,000 to 50,000 years, indicating that the caves were once inhabited by early humans. Some of the stalactites and stalagmites have earned names inspired by their shapes like Shiva and Parvati, Rishi’s Beard, Human Brain, Crocodile, Tiger and Cow’s Udder, among others.
The cave’s entrance is wide and spacious, with stairways built to provide easy access to its central chamber. To explore the natural rock formations, I descended approximately 440 steps. The dim, flickering artificial lights illuminated the rock formations, revealing many intricate structures shaped by water and minerals over millions of years. I noticed some formations resembled animals, others human figures and a few had local legends attached to them.
As I walked further down the caves, I saw a natural formation resembling a Shiva Lingam. The indigenous communities in this region have their own stories about the Borra Caves. This Shiva Lingam stands as a tribute to a significant religious event believed to have occurred in the region.
According to local tribal lore, a grazing cow once fell through a hole in the cave’s roof. While searching for it, the cowherd stumbled upon the cave and discovered a stone formation resembling a Shiva Lingam. This discovery led to the site being revered and a small temple was built as a mark of devotion.
At that moment, I wondered how the divine force often rests in the most remote places and tests our patience and determination to reach them. I offered my prayers and thanked Shiva, a Hindu deity, for allowing me to have his darshan (auspicious sighting).
Walking through the caves felt like a reminder of how fragile such ancient wonders are and why responsible tourism is crucial. Inside the caves, you may spot bats hanging from the rocky ceilings. The damp, dimly lit environment also supports the growth of mosses and brown-to-green algae, which thrive on the cave walls, forming a unique ecosystem adapted to the underground world.
As I walked out of the caves, I noticed plastic waste tucked into the crevices. Borra Caves are a protected site, but preservation needs to be a collective effort. Simple actions like carrying our waste back and respecting the sanctity of natural formations can help ensure that places like these remain untouched for future generations. As travellers, we must be mindful of our footprint, ensuring that our curiosity does not come at the cost of nature’s delicate balance.
Borra Caves is set to undergo a major transformation under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 initiative. As part of this scheme, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has outlined plans to enhance visitor facilities and infrastructure. A comprehensive master plan has been developed to introduce modern amenities, ensuring a more enriching and sustainable tourism experience while preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the site.
As I ended my visit to the caves, I felt a strong sense of responsibility towards the places we visit and the stories they hold. Keep in mind that Borra Caves do not have running water or restroom facilities inside. You are advised to use the restrooms available outside before beginning your exploration, as indicated by the signage at the entrance. Needless to say, every traveller should make efforts to keep these public spaces clean and tidy.
After visiting the Borra Caves, I headed towards the Galikonda View Point, which is about 19 km from the caves. There is something special about Andhra Pradesh that makes me feel grounded and convinces me to come back again. And I know I’ll be back soon with some new stories to hear and share.
Borra Caves are located approximately 91 km from the city of Visakhapatnam. The nearest railway station is Borra Guhalu, situated close to the caves, while the nearest airport is in Visakhapatnam, about 83 km away.
The journey to Borra Caves has become even more enjoyable with the introduction of the Vistadome carriage by Indian Railways. Designed for panoramic views, the Vistadome features a spacious observation lounge with a large glass window, offering passengers incredible views of the surrounding landscape.
The best time to visit Borra Caves is during the winter months, from November to February. The weather during this period in the Araku Valley is pleasant and cool, making it ideal for exploring the caves and the surrounding areas without the discomfort of summer heat or the monsoon rains.
The caves are open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, though the ticket counter remains closed between 1 pm and 2 pm.
Adults: INR 60 per person
Children: INR 45 per person
Phone Camera: INR 25
Still/Digital Camera/Video Camera: INR 100