Caves to Visit in Central and Southern India

Caves to Visit in Central and Southern India By Ravi Valluri An air of mystery envelopes as one enters caves. They are treasure troves of history, culture, religiosity and spirituality. Some of them remain in pristine state and have become spots for the seeker and backpacker alike. Madhya Pradesh is singularly known for the Bagh and Bhimbetka caves. While the former is a collection of nine rock-cut caves (replete with mural paintings) which were apparently constructed by a Buddhist Monk Dataka near Baghani river and trace their history to the Gupta period. Bhimbhetka consists of majestic caves situated at the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and housed the fabled Pandavas (who were robbed of their kingdom by the deviant Shakuni) during their period of exile. Down South is a treat to eyes for the globetrotter are the Badami, Borra, Varaha, Undavalli, Belum and Sittanvasala caves. Badami with four caves located in Karnataka is a veritable religious spot, where caves are dedicated to the preserver and destroyer of Hindu pantheon apart from Jainism. These are red sandstone cut caves at the precipice of a hill. Close to Ananthagiri hills of the Araku Valley near Vishakapattanam, are the famous Borra Caves which are venerated by the local tribal community and has emerged as a popular Hindu pilgrimage spot due to the presence of a naturally developed Shiv Lingam inside the caves which leaves an emmet awestruck. In addition, a tourist is arrested by the sight of the 1km tract populated with stalactites and stalagmites. A traveller is struck by sheer majesty of the Varaha Caves, in Tamil Nadu named after the avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver. This rock-cut cave has been accorded the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage title for its sheer architectural marvel. Meanwhile located 8 kms away from the historic city of Vijaywada, are the Undavalli caves at the banks of the River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. A tourist propitiates Hindu deities like Anantapadmanabha Swamy and Narasimha Swamy. Sandstone was cut by Vishnukundin Kings in 7th century AD to construct these caves. The Undavalli Caves near Amravati in Andhra Pradesh are popular for the gigantic statue of Lord Vishnu which is in a reclining position. The pilgrim or a traveller is required to crawl though to have a look. There are caves located at the small village of Sittanavasal in the Pudukottai district of the state of Tamil Nadu. These caves are also called as the Arivar Koli in local dialect and date back to the 7th Century AD. A large number of beautiful paintings inscribed are found in these astonishing caves which leaves an explorer stunned. The paintings are inscribed all over the cave walls which form a major attraction for visitors. Some of the finest ones being – people collecting lotuses from ponds, lilies, geese, fish, buffaloes, elephants and two dancing figures and lotus flowers. Belum caves in Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh are known for long passages, galleries, spacious caverns, stalactites and stalagmites all formed over thousand of years on account of the flow of the Chitravati River which mysteriously disappeared. These caves of Central and South India are filled with mystery, enigma and an undying sense of adventure, which beckons the tourist to explore many more across the country. About the Author: Ravi Valluri was Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Southern Railway and author of Bombay Review and Other Stories.