Address
Borra Caves,
Anatagiri Hills,
Visakhapatnam (Vizag), India
Directions: Google Maps
Support
Phone: +91 891-2788820
Phone: 1800 42 545454 (Andhra tourism)
Email: info@aptdc.in (general)
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About Borra Caves
Nestled across the East Coast of India, the Borra Caves is a prominent tourist attraction in Visakhapatnam, lodged along the Araku Valley, in the hilly slopes of Ananthagiri. A naturally formed cave, with huge limestone deposits, the Borra Caves are one of the largest and deepest caves in the country, at an elevation of 1400 m above sea level. The word Borra refers to ‘hole’ in Odia, and ‘Guhalu’ meaning cave in Telugu, and hence named the Borra Caves or Borra Guhalu.
Discovered by William King George in 1807, the Borra Caves are over 150 million years old, dating back to prehistoric civilization, and are famous for its breath-taking Stalagmite and Stalactites formations, of unusual shapes and patterns in the cave. The overall depth of the cave extends to 260 feet, spread across 2 Sq. kms, and measure 100 metres wide at the entrance opening. An average of 0.35 kms is the distance recorded to trek the cave, from the entrance, and the overall length of the cave is around 200 metres.
Archaeologists pinned that the River Gosthani flowing across the limestone deposits, brought about the formation of the cave, and continues to form new and intriguing shapes and forms, of Stalagmites and Stalactites in the cave. The cave in its natural inhabitant is a wild forest reserve of rich flora and fauna, and stands surrounded by tribal villages, hedged along the River Gosthani.
Famed for the uniquely shaped limestone deposit, the cave has formations of animals, and other interesting shapes, attracting tourists to this picturesque beauty above sea level. For better visuals, the State Tourism Dept. of Andhra Pradesh installed 26 halogen lamps, to throw shadows and illuminate the formations, adding more energy and vibrancy to the caves.
Best visited between the months of Nov-Dec, the Caves are 29 km from the nearest hill station Araku, and are 76 km from the nearest Airport at Visakhapatnam. The National Highway 5 connects Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, to reach Borra Caves, and takes about 4 hours by road. The nearest Railway station is a 5-hour travel by train, and is best suitable for enjoying the deep forest views, along the route.
Guided day trips are highly recommended, as they cover other attractions such Tyada Railway Tunnel, View Points, Coffee Plantations, Gardens, and the Valley treks. Open all days, from 10:00am-5:00pm, the entry fee to Borra caves cost INR 60 for adults and INR 45 for children. The location is great for filming, and has additional charges for camera, and lighting equipment, with prior permission.
