::BelumCaves::

The Belum Caves, Belum are a collective array of subway passages that were first discovered in 1854. With the pioneering efforts of H. B. Foote these Caves came into public view. Belum Cave lies in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. Belum Cave is 3.5 km in length and the second longest cave in India next to 21km long Krem Um Lawan cave in Meghalaya. We are allowed to enter the cave only with a guide and freely wandering in the cave is strictly prohibited. There are three entry points to the cave, and APTDC arranged excellent lighting facilities inside the cave.

There are passages in the cave where we are compelled to crawl to pass by and there are some streams as well. There is a chamber inside the cave where a lot of stalactites and stalagmites (horn like formation of limestone) can be seen. The chamber is called Kotilingalu and the entrance to chamber is called Simhadwaram. There is a chamber inside the cave called Saptasvarala Guha or Musical chamber where the limestone formations make metallic sounds. The deepest point in the cave is called Pathalaganga where a perennial stream is found.

We were charged an amount of Rs.30.00 for entrance. Foreign Tourists are charged Rs.300.00 per person for entrance. APTDC has installed electronic gates at entrance. The entry section is called Gebauer Hall named after Speleologist Mr H. Daniel Gebauer, who had explored and mapped the caves in 1982-1983. The path to Gebauer Hall leads below the second opening, which lies next to the main entrance.

Some of the images from the caves.

APTDC runs Punnami Hotel in vicinity of Belum Caves. The only accommodation type offered is a 32 beds dormitory. The charges for dormitory accommodation is Rs.40.00 per person. This hotel is planned to be upgraded in future. APTDC also runs a restaurant and a small shop at the entrance to Belum Caves.

Nearest towns are Tadipatri (30 km) and Banganpalli (20 km) where one can find hotels to stay. There are no other place nearby where one can find a restaurant or any sort of eating joint. It is advisable to carry bottled drinking water when visiting the caves since it get very hot and humid at certain sections.