The second largest cave system in India hides beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations in AndhraPradesh, underground fountains and more to be found in #KhabarLive expedition.
The Belum Caves came to be known when British surveyor Robert Bruce Foote stumbled upon them caves in 1884. Even after Foote’s discovery, these caves were used as garbage dumps till 1983, when a team headed by German speleologist Herbert Gebauer along with Indian geologists undertook detailed explorations and mapping. It was then that the remnants of clay vessels dating back to 4500 BC were recovered here, along with mortars and pestles used for grinding Ayurvedic medicines, suggesting the antiquity of the caves.
The tranquillity inside was unbroken, except for the mild splash of water in certain passages. Though almost 3.5 km of the caves has been successfully explored, only half of the site is open to tourists at present. As we delved deeper, sunlight gradually withdrew, with the soft gleam of sodium vapour lamps taking over. We were awed by the strategically placed lighting and the well-lit and neatly maintained passages. We marvelled at the sight of the bizarre formations, lit up in the golden hue emitted by the lamps. The stalactites hang from the ceiling of the caves like icicles, while the stalagmites form myriad shapes on the floors. Walking through the vast subterranean passages, it felt like we had been transported to a Discovery Channel show!
It led us to Kotilingalu, so called because of the thousands of stalagmite and stalactite formations akin to a Shiva lingam crowding the large chamber, giving it an almost surreal look. We came across a formation which resembled a massive banyan tree with its rocky, aerial roots spread all over. Yet another looked like a thousand hooded cobras.
From here, we descended to Patalalinga, the deepest point of this subterranean city at 150 ft from the entrance, where we could spot a huge Shiva lingam formed from a stalagmite. The place has a perennial underground stream with a natural waterfall. It starts at one point and vanishes mysteriously at another point, deep inside of the earth. Legend has it that it resurfaces in a well in Belum village, about 1.5 km away, which is the only source of drinking water for the villagers.
TIPS: It can get very hot inside the caves. Hence avoid going there in summer. The caves are open seven days a week between 10 am and 6 pm but issuing tickets stops at 5 pm. Remember to carry drinking water. Visitors are not allowed to enter the caves on their own. Guides are available to take visitors inside the caves. #KhabarLive #hydnews