Turn into a cave explorer at Belum Caves, that’s a short drive from Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. Perfect for a day trip or, even, a weekend trip, the Belum Caves are a natural wonder made up of chambers and unique formations. A lesser known destination, Belum Caves is around five hours from this lovely city of ours. So, if you are embarking on a quick, one-day dash to check out the historical site, we recommend an early start. Discovered all the way back in 1884, the maze of caves are made from black limestone. And because Nature shaped them, you can explore the caves’ passages and chambers for interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations. You can find plenty of placards with directions and basic information while touring the lit-up caves, but if you like you can hire a guide at the entrance for a detailed exploration.
Once inside, keep your eyes glued to the walls of the caves. Look out for the breathtaking formations – one of which looks like the head of a lion. Another looks like a massive banyan tree with its rocky roots spread all over and yet another looks like a thousand, hooded cobras. Do also visit the Saptasvarala Guha, a spacious chamber where the formations let out musical notes when tapped.
