Belum Caves
About Belum Caves
Far From City: 81 kms from city center
Cost:
About Belum Caves
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hrs
Open Time:10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost:Indians: INR 50,Foreign Nationals: INR 300
History of Belum Caves
Due to the continuous deposition of limestone under the surface of the earth, these caves were formed over the period of millions of years. In the early days, it was believed to be resided by the cavemen. The remnants and the old vessels dating back to 4,500 BC were found. However, it was later occupied by Jain and Buddhists monks who used these caves for meditation.
The caves were always known to the local people, but it was discovered by British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote in 1884. Although, the caves remained unnoticed until a German team led by Herbert Daniel Gebauer made an exploration of the caves in 1982. The state government declared the site as protected in the year 1988 and the place opened for public in the year 2002 and it soon became one of the prized possessions of Andhra Pradesh in the tourism industry. The archeological department found several mud vessels used by Jain saints from the site apart from Buddhist relics.
Structures inside Belum Caves
Belum caves are the black limestone caves which have some of the most unusual cave structures. Inside the caves is the maze of 16 paths and an entrance chamber. One of the most striking features of the cave is the stunning rock formations called Saptasvarala Guha (the chamber of seven notes). Here, you can hear the musical sound when struck with the wood, bamboos or knuckles. Simhadwaram, which means doorway for gods is a breathtaking archway giving an illusion of a lion's head. The Kotilingalu Chamber contains thousands of naturally made lingams. The lingams are formed of stalactites. Voodalamari is another stalactite formation resembling a banyan tree. Thousand hoods, yet another stalactite formation is shaped in the hood of thousands of cobras. Dhyan Mandir is an interesting rock limestone formation shaped as a bed with pillow, local legend suggests this place was used as the meditation centre by all saints.
A major structure of the caves is dedicated to the period when it was invaded by the Jain and Buddhist monks. Evidence of the Jain and Buddhist remains have been found in the caves. A meditation den, saint's bed, and several relics were discovered from the cave. Few relics found inside the caves could be dated back to 4500 BC.
Best time to visit Belum Caves
To completely cover Belum, you might have to walk for more than an hour, which can be tiring in any weather less than pleasant, so, while Belum can be visited any time of the year, you might want to plan a trip when the weather is slightly less hot and pleasant. Winters hence could be a safe bet.
How to Reach Belum Caves
Belum caves are located in a small village with the name same. The Belum Village is located 106 km from Kurnool; you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the Belum caves. It can also be reached by hiring a taxi from Hyderabad and Bangalore.Tirupati is the nearest airport approximately 250 kilometers away while the nearest railway station is Tadipatri which is thirty kilometers away. Direct buses ply to Belum from Tadipatri.
Top Tourist Places in Kurnool
Oravakallu Rock Garden
Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary
Tomb of Abdul Wahab
Yaganti
Buddha Statue
Konda Reddy Fort Or Kondareddy Buruju
All Tourist Places in Kurnool
Where to Stay
Accommodation options are scarce around the Belum Caves although Andhra Pradesh Tourism operates a 32-bed dormitory in the vicinity of the caves. Hotels are available at nearest towns like Tadipatri and Banganpalli which are 30 and 20 kilometres away respectively. You'll find high-end accommodation options at Kurnool which is almost hundred kilometres away.
Tips
1. Carry a backpack with a few water bottles and light snacks, as there aren't any available inside the caves. Hire a guide, there are no fixed rates for guides, pay as per choice or negotiate.
2. The caves are dense and at places poorly ventilated, make sure you carry your water bottles and wear the right shoes for better exploration.
Photos of Belum Caves
Comments on Belum Caves
Post Your Comment
