Facts:
1. THIS 150 MILLION YEAR OLD CAVE IS NATURALLY FORMED.
2. BORRA CAVES ARE THE DEEPEST AND LARGEST CAVES IN INDIA.
3. THE STALACTITES AND STALAGMITES FORM INTERESTING AND UNIQUE STRUCTURES.
4. IT IS ONE OF THE ONLY EXISTING STRUCTURES OF THE MIDDLE PALEOLITHIC CULTURE.
5. HAS BEEN A MAJOR CENTER OF FILM SHOOTING.
6. INSIDE THE CAVES, A SMALL CAVE SERVES A TEMPLE WITH A NATURALLY FORMED SHIVALINGA, THE ELEMENT THAT MAKES THIS PLACE SACRED.
7. THE DANDAKARANYA – BOLANGIR – KIBUR TRAIN TRACK PASSES OVER THE CAVES.
8. ONE OF THE VERY FEW ‘APHOTIC’ CAVES IN THE WORLD.
9. HAS 26 LAMPS INSTALLED BY THE ANDHRA PRADESH STATE TOURISM DEPARTMENT.
10. LOCATED SOME 1400 METERS ABOVE SEA LEVEL IN THE HILLY AREA OF ANANTAGIRI, VISAKHAPATNAM.
ABOUT THE CAVES:
Located in the Ananthagiri mandal of the Visakhapatnam district in Andhra Pradesh are one of the largest caves of the country known as Borra Caves.
Discovered by William King George of the Geological Survey of India, these one million year old caves attract huge number of tourists every day and have become one of the major attractions of Vizag. Located at an elevation of 1400 m above sea level, these beautiful caves are a visual treat to the tourists.
In 1807, William King George of the Geological Survey of India, found these caves. However, the locals say that it was a cowherd, who chanced upon these caves long ago. The caves were discovered when the boy lost trace of his grazing cow. While searching for his cow, he entered the caves and soon discovered a naturally formed Shivalingam. To the boy’s delight, the cow was alive and safe within the caves, and that incident made him believe that it was indeed a sacred cave. As the news of this discovery spread in the village, a Shiva shrine was established outside the caves.
There are several legends regarding the discovery of the caves among the tribals living here. According to a popular legend, Borra caves were discovered when a cowherd while searching for his lost cow came across these caves. He found a Shiva Lingam inside the cave and believed that Lord Shiva has saved his cow.
The villagers built a small temple outside the cave which is visited by the people coming here. Another popular belief is that the Shiva Lingam found here had a stone formation of cow above it and the udder of this cow is believed to be the source for Gosthani river that flows through the Vizag city.
Borra Caves were formed as a result of the flow of Gosthani River on the limestone deposits. These caves are known for the breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations such as Shiva-Parvathi, Rishi's Beard, Mother-Child, Crocodile, Human Brain, Tiger and Cows udder.
Borra Caves are mainly inhabited by the bats that feed on flowers and fruits such as jamun, guava, mango etc. The caves, beautifully lit by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation give these caves an enchanting look.
One of the major attractions of Vizag, Borra Caves is a must visit tourist destination. The various interesting formations, the beautiful lighting, the temple make these caves a popular tourist site in Vizag which should not be missed by anyone.
How to reach Borra Caves?
The Vizag - Araku train halts at the station Borra Caves, which is 5 km away from the cave site. The caves are well-lit at night, courtesy the AP tourism department. There are good restaurants and eateries outside the caves offering lunch and eatables to the visitors. Hotels are also available near Borra Caves for the comfort of tourists.
Other details
Entrance Fee: INR 40 (Adult), INR 30 (Child),
Camera: INR 25 (Video: INR 100)
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
