Borra Caves:
The Borra Caves (also known as Borra Guhalu) are located in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, among the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley (with hill ranges ranging in elevation from 800 to 1,300 m (2,600 to 4,300 ft)). At an elevation of roughly 705 m (2,313 ft), the caverns are one of the country’s largest, with a range of speleothems ranging in size and irregularly formed stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are karstic limestone structures that reach to a depth of 80 metres (260 feet) and are regarded India’s deepest caves.
Borra Caves History:
There are various legends surrounding the caverns’ discovery, which the tribals (Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora, Valmiki, etc.) who live in the communities surrounding the Borra Caves tell. According to folklore, a cow grazing on the top of the caves fell 60 metres (200 feet) through a breach in the roof. While hunting for the cow, the cowherd came across the caves. Inside the cave, he discovered a stone that resembled a Lingam, which he understood as Lord Shiva, who had protected the cow. Hearing the narrative, the villagers believed it, and they built a modest temple for Lord Shiva outside the cave.
The Borra Caves are extremely deep and completely aphotic. In the caves, there is an area with limited light penetration. Stalactites in the caverns range in length from 0.1 to 3.5 metres (0.3 to 11.5 feet), while stalagmites are 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) long and columns are 6 metres (20 feet) tall and 0.75 metres (2.5 feet) wide. The cave has a height of 12 metres (39 feet) and a length of roughly 200 metres (660 ft). The inner cave wall’s average temperature is reported to be around 16 °C (61 °F). Sulfur springs contaminate the cave channels, causing limestone to corrode. Floating mucus-like biofilms can be seen in the spring waters.
The aphotic deep cave entrance is surrounded by thick orange microbial mats (2.5 to 3 cm [1.0 to 1.2 in] thick) with patches of yellow biofilms extending 3 m (9.8 ft) away.
While the caves themselves are limestone formations, the land around them is comprised of mica formations that are prospected for precious stones such as rubies.In the caves, archaeological items (Palaeolithic tools) have been discovered.
Archeologists from Andhra University excavated caves and discovered stone artefacts from the middle Palaeolithic culture, which date back 30,000 to 50,000 years and confirm human presence.
Borra Caves Timings: 10 am to 5 pm every day.
Borra Caves Entry Fees:
Adults pay Rs. 60 to enter the Borra Caves.45 rupees per person for children, 25 rupees for a phone camera, 100 rupees for a digital / still camera and 100 rupees for a video camera
Borra Caves location: Borra Caves, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 531149
Borra Caves to Araku: borra caves to araku distance is 1 hr 4 min (36.7 km) via NH 516E
Borra Caves Photos:
