Belum Caves is India’s second largest cave after the one in Meghalaya. These caves, which get their name from the Sanskrit word bilum (hole), were formed by the action of water flowing on limestone deposits over millions of years, forming stalactites, stalagmites, sink holes and water galleries.
It is located close to Kolimigundla in Kurnool district. After a merry go round of bus trips for 2-3 hours from Jammalamadugu (which was the base for my trip to Gandikota), I finally got to my destination. It is one of the few places which has been well developed and well maintained by the authorities in Andhra Pradesh.
The history of the caves is quite strange. The caves were used by Jains and Buddhists monks centuries ago. I was shocked to find out that some of the items found in these caves were dated to around 4500 BC. The locals knew about the caves for a long time but it was first documented only in 1884.
Still, it was ignored and largely used as a dumping ground until the 1980s when the Indian officials worked with a German expedition to explore and map the caves. The AP government has developed it very well since then and it was thrown open to the public in 2002. There are proper pathways in the caves (2-3 kms) which are well lit. There is no crawling involved and the areas open to the public can be easily accessed.
Intricate formations created by nature add immensely to the allure of the Belum caves. The breathtaking natural sculptures include stalactites that appear like the head of a lion, a collection of lingams, a banyan tree and hoods of cobras. Some of them are hauntingly beautiful, which left me rooted to the spot for a long time. Exploring the often dark and unknown interiors of these fascinating formations is certainly an unforgettable experience.
In ancient time, caves were extremely popular among monks as meditation abodes and the Belum Caves were no different. An interesting formation at the Dhyana Mandir (meditation hall) looks like a bed with pillow and must have given many a monk a naturally formed stone recliner. There is also a fountain which is a constant source of water, all through the year.
The rock formations at Belum caves are proof that wonderful things can appear when water meets limestone. One of the most interesting features here is the Saptasvarala Guha (the chamber of seven notes), where the stalactite formations produce musical sounds when struck with a wooden stick or knuckles. There are three spectacular sinkholes as well within the caves. Amidst all these wonders, I almost forgot to look at the markings on the ceiling and walls which are fascinating, to say the least.
Deep inside the dark and mysterious Belum caves is a underground stream that forms a natural waterfall at the lowest point in the caves (150 feet below ground level). Called Patalganga, this mysterious stream appears at one point, flowing over slippery rocks, before disappearing into the depths of the earth.
At certain places inside the cave, it gets hot and stuffy but there are some air vents placed at strategic points, which give you a whiff of air when you need it the most. One thing which has been done very well is the soft illumination, which allows you to observe the surroundings but at the same time, it is not so bright either which keeps the feeling of being in a cave alive.
This is where you should bring the School Geography Class for a field trip to study the stalactites and stalagmites.
All in all, you need a good couple of hours to take a look around. It is a beautiful place to visit, which awakens the cave explorer in you.
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