Belum Caves, Andhra Pradesh
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Measuring more than 10,500 feet, it is not only the largest but also the longest cave system in the Indian subcontinent that is open to visitors. Located at Belum village, this fabulous creation of nature comes alive when it is lit with minute details visible on the cave walls. The long and narrow passages, large open spaces, and mystical water pools leave the visitors spellbound. The cave has its deepest point at 151 feet. It is believed that the cave was formed by the underground flow of the now non-existent Chitravati river over a period of more than 1000 years. The cave, which was discovered in 1884, was declared a protected site by the state government in 1988.
Nearby Places to See
Kona Waterfalls
Located near Kona village, about 45 kilometres from the Belum caves, it is a beautiful waterfall of approximately 100-120 feet in height. It is formed by the rainwater accumulated in the plains above the valley into which it cascades down. A path from the village along the base of the valley leads to the waterfall.
Located near Kona village, about 45 kilometres from the Belum caves, it is a beautiful waterfall of approximately 100-120 feet in height. It is formed by the rainwater accumulated in the plains above the valley into which it cascades down. A path from the village along the base of the valley leads to the waterfall.
Yaganti Temple
Uma Maheshwara temple at Yaganti town is 45 kilometres away from the Belum caves. Located in a shallow valley, the temple is famous for a small but beautiful pond that has a four-pillared mantapa at its centre. The water flows into the pond from a small opening underneath the hills, but the source is a mystery to date. The surrounding hills are a good place to explore. There are 3 caves near the temple, namely, Agasthya, Venkateshwara, and Veera Brahma, which are as famous as the temple. These caves are not easily accessible and require ascending some steps.
Uma Maheshwara temple at Yaganti town is 45 kilometres away from the Belum caves. Located in a shallow valley, the temple is famous for a small but beautiful pond that has a four-pillared mantapa at its centre. The water flows into the pond from a small opening underneath the hills, but the source is a mystery to date. The surrounding hills are a good place to explore. There are 3 caves near the temple, namely, Agasthya, Venkateshwara, and Veera Brahma, which are as famous as the temple. These caves are not easily accessible and require ascending some steps.
Gandikota
Located about 60 kilometres away from the Belum Caves, it is a historic town located on the banks of the Penna River. The Madhava Raya Swamy and the Raghunatha Swamy temples are outstanding creations of Vijayanagara times. Gandikota Fort has some attractive old buildings. The Gandikota Canyon, so named because the Penna River flows through a small stretch of the high-walled valley, is the most famous spot in the town, with nature lovers visiting and camping overnight.
Located about 60 kilometres away from the Belum Caves, it is a historic town located on the banks of the Penna River. The Madhava Raya Swamy and the Raghunatha Swamy temples are outstanding creations of Vijayanagara times. Gandikota Fort has some attractive old buildings. The Gandikota Canyon, so named because the Penna River flows through a small stretch of the high-walled valley, is the most famous spot in the town, with nature lovers visiting and camping overnight.
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