A diversion in the road after Ananthagiri Hills leads to the Borra Caves. The approach road to the caves is flanked by small eateries that offer delicious Bengali and Odia meals, serving as a reminder of how close you are to the state's border regions. And if that's not enough, the guides at Borra Caves can speak to you in five different languages. 

Overview

The stalactites and stalagmites in the caves have various interesting shapes-there are formations resembling Shiva-Parvati, Mother and Child, the beard of a saint, a crocodile and even a stalagmite in the shape of a human brain. There is also a naturally formed Shivalinga deep inside the cave, tribal people in the surrounding areas (Jatapu, Porja, Kondadora, Nookadora) throng the caves to pray to the linga every Shivaratri.

They narrate dramatic tales of the history of the caves and the legends associated with them in Telugu, English, Hindi, Bengali and Oriya. The caves were discovered by British geologist William King when he was on one of his expeditions in 1807. These caves are believed to be over 150 million years old. They were carved out by small streams that flow into the Gosthani River. Humic acid in the water reacted with the calcium carbonate in limestone of the hills, which  gradually broke down the rocks. Anthropologists found tools made of stone, belonging to the Middle Paleolithic Age (30,000-50,000 years ago), indicating human habitation in the surrounding areas.

Significance

The cave derives its name from a hole in the roof over its central area (borra means hole in Oriya). The main entrance to the cave is at an altitude of 705m above sea level while the lowest point lies at 625m. The total length of the caves is about 200m. The Dandakaranya-Bolangir, Kibur railway track runs over the Borra Caves. Several small stalls, set up outside the cave entrance by local tribes sell souvenirs such as mugs made from bamboo shoot, hats and spices grown in Ananthagiri Hills.  AP tourism has a Haritha restaurant here, which serves lunch and refreshments to tourists

Photos

How to Reach

The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam which is 120km from Araku. 

The nearest railway station is Visakhapatnam.

The drive on the Vizag-Araku, Road takes about 3hrs through the Ananthagiri Hills.

 

Best time to visit

Highlights

Ananthagiri Hills-Area is a paradise for coffee lovers since several plantations are located around the resort.

Coffee Museum-Araku Valley is famous for its coffee plantations. 

Tyda-Area has a natural bounty of flora and fauna and has several waterfalls

Tribal Museum-It showcases the daily life of the tribes, their culture and food habits