Borra Caves

Borra Caves is a spectacular limestone cave system located in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district at an elevation of 705 meters in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, about 90 kilometers from Visakhapatnam. It is one of the largest and most dramatic cave systems in India and a major highlight for travelers. Formed over millions of years by the underground flow of the Gosthani River through karst limestone, the caves extend deep underground with chambers reaching up to 80 meters in length, 75 meters in width, and 12 meters in height. Inside, striking stalactite and stalagmite formations create naturally formed shapes that attract visitors from across the country. Many of these formations are locally named, including Shiva-Parvati, Mother-Child, Cobra, Crocodile, and the sacred Shivalinga, which is actively worshipped by locals. The caves are illuminated with electric lighting installed by the state tourism department, enhancing the visibility of their unique formations. While British geologist William King George documented the caves in 1807, local tribal communities had known about them for generations, making them an important cultural and natural heritage site. One of the most scenic experiences is the Araku Valley narrow-gauge railway, which passes directly over the caves near Borra Guhalu station. This journey is often listed among the top things to do in Borra Caves and surrounding regions.