Borra Caves located in the Araku Valley region of Andhra Pradesh are one of the most famous natural caves in India. These caves are located in the Alluri Sitarama Raju District of Andhra Pradesh and are one of the most famous tourist places in Andhra Pradesh.
Location of Borra Caves
Borra Caves are located in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley in the Eastern Ghat ranges. These caves are located at a distance of around 120 Km from the city of Visakhapatnam and at a distance of around 18 Km from Araku Valley. Borra Caves are easily accessible from Visakhapatnam both via road and train. The train heading to Araku Valley halts at Borra Guhalu Railways station which is around 5 km from Borra caves. Indian Railways has also attached a Vistadome Coach to the train leading to the Araku valley. Through this coach travellers can enjoy the scenic view of Eastern Ghat ranges.The road from Visakhapatnam is in good condition and one can enjoy the scenic view on the way.
History and Origin of Borra Caves
Borra Caves are said to be around 150 million years old. These caves are basically a Karstic Limestone structures extending to a depth of around 80 meters. Located at an elevation of around 1400 meter above the sea level Borra caves are the the deepest caves in India. Gosthani River originates from Borra caves and Borra Caves were formed as a result of the flow of Gosthani River on the limestone deposits which are found in this area.
There is a popular legend about the discovery of Borra Caves among the locals. According to the legend one day a cowherd found that his cow has fallen in a hole which was around 60 meter deep. When he went inside he found out a Shiv Linga and his cow was alive. It is believed that Lord Shiva saved the cow. Inspired by this event locals installed a Shiva Temple nearby the caves.
Historically Borra Caves were discovered by William King George of Geological Survey of India in 1807. As per the historical documents these caves were one of the most unique kind of structures in India.
Entry Fee of Borra Caves
As per the https://vizagtourism.org.in/borra-caves-vizag the entry fee for Borra Caves is as under
- Rs 60 per person for Adults
- Rs 45 per person for Children
- Rs 25 for Phone Camera
- Rs 100 for Digital / Still Camera
- Rs 100 for Video Camera
The Caves are open from Morning 10 o’clock till evening. The timings to visit the cave are as under:
| Day | Timing |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wedesday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm |
There are tourist guides available at the site. I would recommend taking a tourist guide to fully understand the formation inside the cave.
Major Attraction in Borra Caves
There are many formations resembling a Mother and Child, Shiva and Parvati and a Crocodile visible inside the cave. If you are taking a tourist guide he will show your all these formations. There is a naturally formed Shiva Linga inside the cave. Hoge crowd assembles to visit the Shiva Linga. Apart from that the cave is just like any other natural cave. Beautiful lighting has been done by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism department inside the caves which makes them beautiful sight to watch.
While visiting the cave one issue that I noticed was that these caves are heavily inhabited by Bats whose smell becomes annoying at times. The huge flock of bats make many visitors uncomfortable sometimes.
An Interesting Railway Connection of Borra Caves
While visiting the Borra Caves I found one interesting plaque installed inside the cave premises.
The Kottavalasa Kirandul Railway track of East Coast Railway passes from above the Borra Caves displaying the skills of Railway Engineers in India.
Borra Caves are an interesting place to visit if you are in Visakhapatnam. There are many good local eateries in the nearby area where one can have a good meal. The area around the caves offers a great natural beauty and the caves are a sight to behold.
Wizards of Life! 