Belum Caves

About Belum Caves

Belum Caves, located in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, India, is the second-longest natural cave system in the Indian subcontinent. These magnificent limestone caves are renowned for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as their vast chambers and intricate passages. Discovered by a British geologist in 1884, the caves were later explored and developed for tourism by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). The name 'Belum' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Bilum', meaning 'caves'. Stretching over 3,229 meters (10,594 ft), only a portion of these awe-inspiring underground labyrinths is accessible to the public, offering a surreal experience with unique geological features and an ethereal atmosphere. Exploring Belum Caves is like stepping into another world, where time seems to stand still amidst ancient rock formations sculpted by nature over millions of years.

History

The history of Belum Caves dates back millions of years, as these geological formations were created by the continuous flow of underground water eroding limestone deposits. Archaeological evidence, including pottery dating back to 4500 BC, suggests that the caves were inhabited by ancient humans. Remains of Buddhist monks were also found inside the caves, indicating their use as a place of meditation and shelter. The modern discovery of the caves is attributed to British geologist Robert Bruce Foote in 1884, but they remained largely unexplored until a German team, led by H. Daniel Gebauer, began a detailed expedition in 1982. Their extensive mapping and exploration revealed the incredible extent and geological significance of Belum Caves. Subsequently, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation took over the development and maintenance of the caves, opening them to the public in 2002. Today, Belum Caves stand as a testament to both natural history and human curiosity, drawing visitors worldwide.