The Kailash Caves were founded in 1993 by the director of Kanger Valley National Park. The cave is 200 meters long, 35 meters wide, and 55 meters deep, with the earliest limestone formations. Located inside a hill 40 meters above the valley, it is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, which took thousands of years to form. The cave has a pathway along railings and solar-powered electric light. The cave’s name is derived from the fact that a stalagmite resembling Shiva Lingam is almost 30 meters from the entrance.
Quick Details
Location: Kanger Valley National Park, near Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chattisgarh
How To Reach: With your conveyance or hiring a private vehicle
Nearest Airport: Jagdalpur Airport or Maa Danteshwari Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jagdalpur Train Station
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Where To Eat: Dine Excellency, Rainforest Restaurant, Naman Bastar
Where To Stay: Bastar Jungle Resort, Hotel Akanksha, Hotel Sudha Palace
Location
Photo: Mettle30 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
15 kilometres in the Kanger Valley National Park, the Kailash Caves are situated. Which is near Jagdalpur city in the Bastar district of the Chattisgarh state. The Dandak Caves and Tirathgarh Waterfalls are close to this cave.
How To Reach
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By Train: Jagdalpur train station is the closest railway station to the Kailash Caves. It is almost 32 kilometres away from the Kailash caves.
By Air: Jagdalpur Airport, also known as Maa Danteshwari Airport, is the nearest airport to the Kailash Caves. It is situated at a distance of 33 kilometres from the caves.
By Road: Kailash Caves are part of a Kanger Valley National Park, you can reach there by hiring a taxi or with your conveyance, such as a car or a jeep.
Places To Explore Near Kailash Caves
Here is the list of top places that you can explore near the Kailash Caves on your trip to Chhattisgarh.
1. Madarkonta Caves
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The Madarkonta Caves are located near Jagdalpur city in the Bastar region. To reach the caves, tourists might have to trek for about 200-300 meters. The name of the cave is derived from a nearby village named Madarkonta. The cave is 300 meters long and has several halls inside it.
It is termed one of the hidden gems of the Chattisgarh region and is situated along a small riverbank. The Madarkonta Caves have various species of bats and troglobites housed in them. The limestone formations can be seen in the cave, which takes several thousand years to develop.
Distance From The Kailash Caves: 34 kilometres
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. Narayanpal Vishnu Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The Narayanpal Vishnu Temple is situated in a village that used to be known as Narayanpur but changed to Narayanpal. It is said to be built by the queen of the Chindak dynasty, Mumundadevi, and has an influence on the Chalukya’s style of architecture. The temple is located near the Chitrakote waterfalls and was constructed over 1000 years ago. In the 11th century, this temple was completely built and devoted to Lord Vishnu. It holds the historical, cultural, and spiritual values of the Bastar region.
Distance From The Kailash Caves: 65 km
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
3. Dandak Caves
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The Dandak Caves are 200 meters long, 15 to 25 meters deep, and have a width of 20 meters. They were founded in 1995 and are situated near the Kailash Caves. There are 2 big chambers in the cave known to be able to accommodate around 500 people at once. Both of the chambers are filled with stalagmites and stalactites, which are types of limestone formations. Tourists have to crawl on their knees to get to the other chamber, as the path to reach there is narrow and small in size.
Distance From The Kailash Caves: 33 kilometres
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Tirathgarh Waterfalls
Photo: RISHI PANDEY / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Tirathgarh Waterfall flows from a height of 300 feet and divides into several small waterfalls.
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions of the Kanger Valley National Park and known for being surrounded by greenery. On the other side of the waterfall, there is an ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, which is said to be around 1000 years old. The Tirathgarh waterfalls stay at their peak from July to October. The fall is formed on the Munga River and creates a scenic view for the visitors to watch. The Lord Shiva temple near the waterfalls is treated as a pilgrimage site by the people.
Distance From The Kailash Caves: 37 kilometres
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
5. Chitrakote Waterfalls
Photo: Writingwithlight / Wikimedia Commons
The Chitrakote Waterfalls are a natural waterfall situated near Jagdalpur city on the Indravati River. The height of this waterfall is almost 30 meters, and the width is 300 meters. It is also known as “Niagara Falls of India” and is one of the widest existing waterfalls in the country. During the monsoon season, the width of the waterfall can vary and reach up to 500 meters. It has a horseshoe shape, and during the dry season, visitors can go boating near the base of the waterfall. The local tribes consider the place around the waterfall to be sacred, and during festivals, they often perform various rituals around it.
Distance From The Kailash Caves: 67 kilometres
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Tan Danh / Wikimedia Commons
The Kailash Caves can be visited in the spring or winter season. From November, winter starts and lasts until February. In the winter season, the humidity inside the cave stays low, whereas, during monsoons, the cave stays closed due to increased water levels.
Tips For The Visitors
- Wear a helmet or a good-quality hat.
- Carry a flashlight or a headlight.
- Carry a water bottle.
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes.
- Follow the instructions given by the guide.
The Kailash Caves, located in Kanger Valley National Park, are a 200-meter-long limestone wonder. Known for their ancient stalactites and stalagmites, the caves feature a natural formation that resembles a Shiva Lingam. It is equipped with solar-powered lights and a safe pathway for tourists. Book your trip with TripXL to explore the cave and its stunning formations, as well as various other tranquil attractions in the region.
Cover Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only.