Belum Caves: Your Complete Guide To The Historical And Geological Marvel

View inside the Belum caves, one of the must see attractions for history enthusiasts

The Belum Caves, located in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, are India’s largest underground cave system. These caves, formed over millions of years, have notable stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave system is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and includes a series of chambers and passageways. Key formations include the “Banyan Tree” and “Rishi’s Chamber,” which highlight the natural geological processes at work. The Belum Caves allow visitors to explore a notable cave system in India while learning about natural history and geological formations.

Location

Inside the halls of the Belum caves, reflecting the timeless tales from Andhra's history

Photo: sridhar.prabhakar / Shutterstock

Belum Caves is situated in the Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, located in Belum Village. The Belum Caves location is at an approximate distance of 110 km from Kurnool City and around 320 km from Hyderabad. A well-maintained road connectivity certainly helps one easily reach the caves. Knowing the way to Belum Caves and achieving the same by road, rail, or air is very important while planning a visit. Serene surroundings, coupled with a unique underground experience, make the Belum Caves a popular attraction in this part of Andhra Pradesh.

How To Reach Belum Caves

A tourist standing in the majestic halls of the caves

Photo: Simon Migaj / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

By Road: State transport buses and private taxis ply regularly to Belum Village. The place enjoys good transport connectivity with the nearby cities of Kurnool and Anantapur.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Tadipatri, located at a distance of 30 km. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to the caves.

By Air: The nearest airport to Belum Caves is Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which is approximately 300 km away. From the airport, one can travel to the caves by taking a taxi or bus to reach the destination.

Places To Visit Near Belum Caves

Here’s a list of tourist attractions worth exploring while visiting the Belum caves on your trip to Andhra Pradesh:

1. Gandikota Fort

Gandikota fort is one of the most popular places to see near Belum caves

Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons

Gandikota Fort is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India.” It is a beautiful place near Belum Caves locations. It is one of the historic forts positioned on one of the highest points beside the Pennar River, providing a sensational view and an insight into the glorious past of India. Look for ancient ruins, temples, and mosques within this fort area while taking amazing Belum Caves pictures from a completely different angle.

Entry Fees: None
Location: Gandhikota, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October to March

2. Ahobilam

View of people visiting the Ahobilam narsimha swamy temple

Photo: Varunmydala / Wikimedia Commons

Ahobilam is a town in Andhra Pradesh’s Allagadda mandal, which is part of the Nandyal district. It is well-known for its holy location, nestled amidst the Eastern Ghats’ hills and devoted to Lord Narasimha. Although Ahobilam is a bit of a drive from Belum Caves, it offers the opportunity to take in stunning scenery and a tranquil setting. It’s a good place to stop and take some beautiful pictures when you’re not exploring the caves.

Entry Fees: None
Location: Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: November to February

3. Mahanandi Temple

Entrance of the Mahanadi temple, one of the best places to visit nearby for devotees

Photo: P. Madhusudan / Wikimedia Commons

This ancient temple is famous for its Nandi idol and sacred water pools. It’s placed inside dense foliage, in proximity to the Belum Caves, which enables you to relax after adventure tours are done. For this temple, there is an ancient religious history, which fills the place with sacredness and pride. There will also be an opportunity to click more photos in the Belum Caves with a shade of local heritage.

Entry Fees: None
Location: Mahanandi, Andhra Pradesh
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Where To Stay

Accommodations nearby offer a variety of facilities according to tourists budget

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

While visiting Belum Caves, it is quite convenient to stay at Hotel Haritha Belum. It falls under the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department and is situated near the caves, which is ideal for Koya tourists who want to catch some cool rest after all the action. The hotel offers standard amenities and tidy, well-maintained rooms for a comfortable stay. For more options, you might also want to look into Apr Paradise, and Kanchani Deluxe Lodge.

Where To Eat

Authentic  Andhra thali served at a restaurant nearby, offering the local flavours

Photo: Anjanadevib / Wikimedia Commons

There is a scarcity of places to eat around Belum Caves. Tourists can try local food at Haritha Belum Canteen, where food is simple and palatable. This canteen caters to diverse visitor tastes and has a number of vegetarian dishes. For those willing to go a little further, consider Dr. Family Restaurant and Dhaba, Sai Baba Hotel, or Praneeth Hotel.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit this destination is the winter stretch of the year

Photo: Quang Nguyen Vinh / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The best time to visit is during the cold months, from November to February. During this period, the weather is quite pleasant, making it suitable for exploration. Even if the caves remain at almost the same temperature throughout the year, you will enjoy visiting during the cooler season as it increases the adventure.

Other Factors To Consider

 Inside the serene halls of the cave offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city  life

Photo: sridhar.prabhakar / Shutterstock

Average Cost: Depending on the means of transport and accommodation, the trip to Belum caves will go at the rate of between ₹2,000 and ₹5,000.

Tips For Travellers

  • Carry the flashlight for better visibility inside the caves.
  • You have to be careful, as they have very narrow passages and steep climbs.
  • Follow exactly what the guide tells you to have a fun yet safe experience.

Belum Caves, with its stunning natural formations and fascinating history, offers a lifelong memory. It’s an excellent location for taking photos, exploring the various rooms, or simply taking in the scenery. The caves are easily accessible and conveniently located. Belum Caves has something for everyone, whether your interests are adventure, photography, or simply having a good time. Plan your trip with us and explore this unique destination with ease.

Cover Photo: sridhar.prabhakar / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

No, eating and drinking are not permitted inside the Belum Caves in order to preserve the natural environment and keep them clean. It is best to have refreshments before or after your cave visit in designated areas.
Children are welcome at the Belum Caves, but must be accompanied by an adult. Parents should follow safety guidelines, stay close to the guide, wear appropriate footwear, and stay on marked paths.
Belum cave timings are 10 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week.
While visiting the Belum caves you should see some nearby gems adding to the charm on your trip. Some of these places are Gandikota fort, Mahanandi temple and the town of Ahobilam.
Belum caves are said to be a thousand years old. These caves were used by Jain and Buddhist monks as a meditation hall. Its historical and geological features became another reason for its significance.

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