Known by many as an activity frequented by hard core adventurers and fearless explorers, luckily there are many places in India where you can appreciate the most interesting formations and fossils that nature has to offer.
Where?
Siju caves
One of the best caving sites in India is in the scenic state of Meghalaya in Northeast. Blessed with lush green mountain ranges and beautiful waterfalls, Meghalaya is known not just for its natural beauty but also for the many opportunities that it has to offer for the adventurous traveller. Located near Baghmara in Meghalaya, Siju Caves are the third longest cave system in India. Aptly known as Meghalaya’s pride, it stands on the bank of River Simsang, below Siju Village and near Naphak lake. About 30 kms from Baghmara, this is India’s first limestone cave.
What makes it special?
1.Find your way out of the perplexing passages which resemble a maze
With a length of 4772m, a large part of the caves are unexplored even by experts. As you traverse further inside the passages, you will find yourself moving away from the noise and congestion of your everyday city life.
2.Discover some of the most impressive natural limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
The caves also house river passages of the tributaries of the Simsang river on whose bed the caves lie. Di’s chamber inside the cave will leave any visitor awestruck with its beauty.
3.Challenge the inner adventure seeker in you by walking the flimsy rope bridge that connects the summit of two hills while reaching the cave!
It’s wobbliness gives an added thrill to your journey ahead!
4.Experience the thrill of being surrounded by thousands of bats residing in the caves.
Also known as Dobakkol, this cave is known as the Cave of Bats due to the unusually large number of bats residing in the caves. Despite their presence in the area, it is safe for visitors to explore.
Getting there:
By Air: Guwahati is the nearest airport located about 200 kms from Tura. From Guwahati caves are available till Tura and further sightseeing places.
By Train: Guwahati railway station is the closest at 200 kms. It is well connected to most Indian railway stations.
By Road: Overnight buses are available quite regularly from Guwahati. It is also well connected to cities in North East via road.
As the last stretch on your way can be quite treacherous, it advised to hire a four-wheel drive from Tura to the caves.