Borra Caves Visakhapatnam - Largest and Oldest Caves of India.
Borra Caves are one of the largest caves in the country and home to million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations. Perched at an elevation of 1,400 m above sea level, the majestic caves attract huge number of tourists every day and have become one of the major attractions of Vizag. The total length of the Borra Caves is about 200 meters. Believed to have been caves formed as a result of perennial water flows over millions of years, the caves were discovered by British geologist William King in the year 1807.
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 picturesque territory and thrilling terrain of Borra Caves is the perfect destination to pursue a little trekking adventure over the weekend. The trekking difficulty is easy to medium, so even beginners will not have a problem in navigating this destination. The journey up to the caves can take 3-4 hours, but the final view of Borra Caves is definitely worth all the hard work!
Beautifully lit by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation give these caves an enchanting look. 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. A couple of interesting activities await you near the Borra Caves. The Tribal Museum of Araku Valley is a wonderful look into the culture and lifestyle of the tribal communities that live nearby. Padampura Gardens and Katika Waterfalls are other destinations in the close vicinity of the Borra Caves.
Best Time to Visit Borra Caves
The best time to visit Borra Caves is during the winter months, from November to February, due to the cool and pleasant weather. During this period, the climate is ideal for exploring the caves and the surrounding landscapes without the extreme heat of summer or the heavy rains of the monsoon season. To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to plan your visit for a weekday.
How to Reach Borra Caves
Located on the east coast of India, the Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh. The caves are well connected by road, rail and air services. The nearest international airport is Visakhapatnam Airport, 76 km (47 mi) from Borra Caves, which is 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from the Visakhapatnam city centre. It is mostly a hill road and the journey takes about three hours.
Visiting Information:
Timings : Monday to Sunday (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Time Required : 2-3 Hours
Entry Fee : Adults - INR 60, Children - INR 45, Camera - INR 100
Photography : Allowed
Discovered in : 1807
Best Time to Visit : November - March
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Hotel near Borra Caves Visakhapatnam
- Hotel near Borra Caves Visakhapatnam is The Park Visakhapatnam (96 Km, 2hr 39min).
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