Borra Caves: Why Are They Special?
India is no doubt a true beauty and a place of mystic wonders. You will find all the experiences of this world on this mysterious land. Most importantly, the cost of travelling here won’t burn your wallet. There are a great number of places in India which are inexplicable, sacred, unworldly, and metaphysical. Today, we have one such transcendental place in India to share with our readers.
Borra Caves are million-year-old limestone caves located 125.6 km from Visakhapatnam. These are the largest caves in our country at an elevation of about 705 meters and are shoved in the crown of the Ananthagiri hills of Araku Valley. Borra Caves moreover are spread across an area of 2 sq km.
What do the legends say about these caves?
It is said that William King George of the Geological Survey of India was the one who found these magnificent caves. However, the locals don’t share the same as they have a different story to tell. They believe that a cowherd happened to be the one who found these caves a long ago. It was through a completely oblivious moment that he found them. So, according to the legend, the cowherd lost the track of his grazing cow.
While searching for his cow, the boy entered these caves and astonishingly found his cow there. What staggered him most was the fact the cow was alive within the caves and there was a naturally formed Shiva lingam inside. Witnessing this incident made him believe that it was a sacred cave. Soon after his return from the cave, the news spread like a fire in the village. Villagers started visiting the cave and they established a shiva shrine outside the caves.
Another legend has it
The second legend narrates that the naturally formed Shiva lingam in the caves has a stone in the cow’s formation and the udder of this cow is the source of the Gosthani river. This river actually passes through the city of Visakhapatnam. Moreover, according to the studies, the formation of these caves is the result of the flow of the Gosthani river on limestone deposits.
Is it worth your visit?
Borra Caves is without a doubt a mystic place that ignites a sense of mystery and wonders inside you. You will experience it all, so to say you will feel ineffable, noetic, transient, and passive while standing and looking at these splendid caves. Intriguingly, your eyes will consume the sweet nectar of a lifetime occurrence by seeing the majestic stalactite and stalagmite formations of Shiva & Parvati, mother-child, human brain, crocodile, cow’s udder, rishi’s beard, and many others.
Apart from the legends, how old these caves are, adds more to our excitement pocket. If you are a wanderer, spiritual, religious, or lover of beauty and mysticism, Borra Caves are waiting for you. Here’s a quick guide note to those who would probably end up giving a tour of the place after reading this article.
So, the Borra Caves station is 5 km away from the cave site and a train ‘the Vizag Araku’ stops there. Basically, this train will take you to your destination (caves). The caves are safe to visit at any time as it is well lit at night. And, if you want to have a good meal after or before visiting the site, you can enjoy that as well. In other words, there are good restaurants outside the caves to treat your tummy with tasty food. Why do only the eyes have to have all, right?! Don’t worry, there are hotels as well available near the caves to give you more comfort and rest to your body.
India, the Number 1 vacation Destination in the World
Author: Simran K Parmar
A post graduate in English Literature, secular humanist, critical thinker, an outspoken atheist, follower of equality and a lover of philosophy. craftedfashion94@gmail.com
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