The Belum Caves, located in Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh's Rayalaseema region, is the second largest cave system on the Indian subcontinent, known for its speleothems, such as stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Belum Caves have long passages, galleries, spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons. This cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water from the now-disappeared river Chitravathi. The cave system reaches its deepest point (46 m (151 ft) from entrance level) at the point known as Pataalaganga.[1] Belum Caves have a length of 3,229 m (10,593.8 ft), making them the second largest caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. It is one of the centrally protected Monuments of National Importance.[2]
Second Indian hypogean species of the genus Andhracoides named Andhracoides gebaueri found in the caves by Shabuddin Shaik
Banyan Tree formation inside Belum Caves
Belum came to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor, Robert Bruce Foote and from 1982 to 1984, a team of German speleologists headed by H. Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves. In 1988, the state government declared the site protected, and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002. Today, 3.5 km (2.2 mi) of the caves have been successfully explored, though only 1.5 km (0.9 mi) is accessible to visitors.[1] There are 16 different pathways, including the main entrance and there are deposits of quartz in the caves. The caves consist of black limestone.
The Belum Caves are located near Belum Village in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district (earlier in Kurnool district) in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Kolimigundla is situated 3 km (1.9 mi) from Belum Caves.[3] The caves are an 8 km (5.0 mi) drive from Petnikota village.
Belum is part of a larger complex of caves carved out of the limestone deposits in the Erramalai region. Other caves include the Billasurgam caves, Sanyasula caves, Yaganti caves, Yerrajari caves, and the Muchchatla Chintamanu caves (caves are called gavi in the local language).[4]
Discovery
Even though the Belum Caves were known to local people, the first records of site come from the expedition report of British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote, in 1884. Thereafter, the Belum Caves remained unnoticed for almost a century until a German team headed by Herbert Daniel Gebauer conducted detailed exploration of the caves in 1982 and 1983. The German expedition was assisted by Mr Bacham Chalapathi Reddy (retd. Deputy superintendent of police), Mr Pothireddy Rama Subba Reddy (retd. Headmaster), Mr Ramaswami Reddy, Mr Boyu Madduleti, Mr K. Padmanabhaiah, Mr K. Chinnaiah and Mr A. Sunkanna.[5]
4,500 BC remnants of vessels of that age were found in the caves.
Occupied by Jain and Buddhist monks, over two thousands years ago
1884 existence of the caves recorded by the British geologist and archaeologist Mr Robert Bruce Foote.
1982 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer.
1983 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer.
JAN 2013 A new cavernicolous (inhabiting caves) Isopod species discovered, named Andhracoides gebaueri
Historical importance
Belum Caves are geologically and historically important caves. There are indications that Jains and Buddhists monks occupied these caves centuries ago. Many Buddhists relics were found inside the caves. These relics are now housed in Museum at Ananthapur.
Archaeological survey of India (ASI) also found remnants of vessels of the pre-Buddhist era and dated the remnants of these objects to 4500 years BCE.[6]
Biological importance
A new and second Indian cavernicolous (inhabiting caves) species of the genus Andhracoides was discovered in the Pataalaganga chamber. The organism is named Andhracoides gebaueri in honor of Herbert Daniel Gebauer who documented and mapped the complete cave [7]
Development
The caves were being used to dump wastes from nearby places until 1988. Local people of nearby settlements, notably Policemen and residents of Belum Village co-operated with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and developed the cave site as a tourist attraction. Finally, their almost two-decade long efforts resulted in the Government of Andhra Pradesh declaring the entire area to be a protected zone. Finally, in 1999, the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation took over the task of beautifying and maintaining the caves. The APTDC who has since been in charge of management, sanctioned Rs. 7.5 million to develop the caves.[6] The APTDC has also developed the pathways of around 2 km (1.2 mi) length in and outside of the caves, provided illumination and has created fresh-air-shafts at the site. Inside the cave, APTDC has installed bridges and staircases, and a canteen, bathrooms and toilet facilities at the entry point. APTDC also has built a Haritha Hotel for accommodation in the vicinity.
There is a sizeable Buddha statue near on a hillock near the caves. One of the caverns at Belum is known as the "Meditation Hall", which was used by Buddhist monks. Relics of the Buddhist period were found here. These relics are now housed in a museum in Ananthapur.
Entry
Map of Belum Caves engraved on a Board near entrance
Indian tourists are charged an amount of Rs. 65 for entry, while foreign tourists are charged Rs. 300. At the entrance, there is an electronic cave gate. A metal staircase leads down into the cave.
The entrance pit was originally smaller than what one sees today. It was broadened to fit the staircase, to allow visitors to descend and ascend easily.
The entrance is like that of a Pit Cave. From the ground you can only see two pits side by side and a third pit a little further away. After descending around 20 meters by the stairs from the entrance, the caves become horizontal. The first section one enters is called the Gebauer Hall, named after the speleologist, H. Daniel Gebauer, who had explored and mapped the caves in 1982-1983. The path to Gebauer Hall leads to the second opening, which lies next to the main entrance.
Main Sections of Belum Caves
Meditation Hall inside Belum Caves
Simhadwaram – simhadwaram means lion's gate. It is a natural arch of stalactites formed in the shape of a lion's head;
Kotilingalu Chamber – This section contains stalactite formations which are akin to Shiva lingams. This section has thousands of such stalactite giving it a surrealistic look. It has one huge pillar formed due to stalactite and stalagmite joining together.
Patalaganga – It is a small perennial stream which disappears into the depths of the earth. This stream flows from the southeast to northwest. It disappears and is believed to be heading towards a well at the Belum village, located 2 km away from the caves.
Saptasvarala Guha or Musical Chamber – Saptasvarala Guha means chamber of seven notes. The stalactite formations in this chamber reproduce musical sounds when these are struck with a wooden stick or knuckles. This section was opened to the public in 2006.[8]
Dhyan Mandir or Meditation Hall – This section is near to the entrance. An interesting formation at Meditation hall looks like a bed with pillow to recline. The local legend has it that in ancient times many sages used to live here. This section was used by Buddhist Monks. Many relics of Buddhist period were found here which are now housed in museum at Ananthapur.
Thousand Hoods – This section has amazing stalactite formations shaped like hood of Cobra. The stalactite formations on the ceiling looks as if thousands of cobras have opened their hoods.
Banyan Tree Hall – This section has a huge pillar with stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This gives a look of Banyan Tree with its aerial roots when seen from below. The locals call it "Voodalamari" since it looks like a Banyan Tree with its aerial roots hanging from the branches.
Mandapam – This is a huge area inside the cave with magnificent stalactite structures on the sides giving it a look of a hall with pillars.
Awards to APTDC for Belum Caves
In, 2003, APTDC won the prestigious "National Tourism Awards" instituted by Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, for its initiatives in developing and promoting Belum Caves.
Belum caves was also adjudged the best destination award 2002 at the Tourism and Travel Fair held in Bangalore in 2002.[9]
Access
The nearest railhead to reach Belum Caves is Tadipatri (in Ananthapuramu district), 30 km (18.6 mi) away. There are daily or weekly trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Tirupati, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore and Goa which halt at Tadipatri railway station. From Tadipatri, one can take a bus to the Belum Caves. Frequently available buses, which ply between Tadipatri and Banaganapalli of Nandyala district, drop you at Belum caves.
Gallery
Interiors
Ceiling of Hall of Thousand Hoods
Man striking stalactite formation to produce musical notes.
^"Belum caves bag prestigious award". The Times of India. 18 January 2003.
Further reading
A new species of Andhracoides Wilson and Ranga Reddy, 2011 (Isopoda: Hypsimetopidae) from Belum Cave, Andhra Pradesh, India, with a phylogenetic review of the family by George D. F. Wilson, Shabuddin Shaik and Yenumula Ranga Reddy Source: Journal of Crustacean Biology, Volume 35, Issue 2, pages 216 – 240 Publication Year : 2015, DOI: 10.1163/1937240X-00002333, ISSN 0278-0372, E-ISSN 1937-240X, Document Type: Research Article. http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/1937240x-00002333
External links
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Belum Caves.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Belum Caves.
www.BelumCaves.com Website
The Telegraph - Calcutta : Weekend
Cave biology (biospeleology) in India.
January 29, 2023
belum, caves, located, nandyala, district, andhra, pradesh, rayalaseema, region, second, largest, cave, system, indian, subcontinent, known, speleothems, such, stalactite, stalagmite, formations, have, long, passages, galleries, spacious, caverns, with, fresh,. The Belum Caves located in Nandyala district of Andhra Pradesh s Rayalaseema region is the second largest cave system on the Indian subcontinent known for its speleothems such as stalactite and stalagmite formations The Belum Caves have long passages galleries spacious caverns with fresh water and siphons This cave system was formed over the course of tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of underground water from the now disappeared river Chitravathi The cave system reaches its deepest point 46 m 151 ft from entrance level at the point known as Pataalaganga 1 Belum Caves have a length of 3 229 m 10 593 8 ft making them the second largest caves on the Indian Subcontinent after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya It is one of the centrally protected Monuments of National Importance 2 Belum CavesOutside of Belum Caveslocation in IndiaShow map of IndiaBelum Caves Andhra Pradesh Show map of Andhra PradeshLocationBelum Village in Kolimigundla Mandal of Nandyal districtRegionAndhra Pradesh Indiaa Buddha statue near the caves Meditation Hall inside Belum Caves Saint Bed inside Belum Caves A Visitor inside the Belum cave Deep passages inside Belum cave Second Indian hypogean species of the genus Andhracoides named Andhracoides gebaueri found in the caves by Shabuddin Shaik Banyan Tree formation inside Belum Caves Belum came to scientific attention in 1884 by a British surveyor Robert Bruce Foote and from 1982 to 1984 a team of German speleologists headed by H Daniel Gebauer conducted a detailed exploration of the caves In 1988 the state government declared the site protected and Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation APTDC developed the caves as a tourist attraction in February 2002 Today 3 5 km 2 2 mi of the caves have been successfully explored though only 1 5 km 0 9 mi is accessible to visitors 1 There are 16 different pathways including the main entrance and there are deposits of quartz in the caves The caves consist of black limestone Contents 1 The site 2 Discovery 3 Historical importance 4 Biological importance 5 Development 6 Entry 7 Main Sections of Belum Caves 8 Awards to APTDC for Belum Caves 9 Access 10 Gallery 11 See also 12 References 13 Further reading 14 External linksThe site EditThe Belum Caves are located near Belum Village in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district earlier in Kurnool district in the state of Andhra Pradesh Kolimigundla is situated 3 km 1 9 mi from Belum Caves 3 The caves are an 8 km 5 0 mi drive from Petnikota village Belum is part of a larger complex of caves carved out of the limestone deposits in the Erramalai region Other caves include the Billasurgam caves Sanyasula caves Yaganti caves Yerrajari caves and the Muchchatla Chintamanu caves caves are called gavi in the local language 4 Discovery EditEven though the Belum Caves were known to local people the first records of site come from the expedition report of British geologist and archaeologist Robert Bruce Foote in 1884 Thereafter the Belum Caves remained unnoticed for almost a century until a German team headed by Herbert Daniel Gebauer conducted detailed exploration of the caves in 1982 and 1983 The German expedition was assisted by Mr Bacham Chalapathi Reddy retd Deputy superintendent of police Mr Pothireddy Rama Subba Reddy retd Headmaster Mr Ramaswami Reddy Mr Boyu Madduleti Mr K Padmanabhaiah Mr K Chinnaiah and Mr A Sunkanna 5 4 500 BC remnants of vessels of that age were found in the caves Occupied by Jain and Buddhist monks over two thousands years ago 1884 existence of the caves recorded by the British geologist and archaeologist Mr Robert Bruce Foote 1982 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer 1983 explored by the German Herbert Daniel Gebauer 1988 declared protected by the Government of Andhra Pradesh 1999 development of the cave by Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation started FEB 2002 cave opened to the public JUL 2002 Musical chamber discovered JAN 2013 A new cavernicolous inhabiting caves Isopod species discovered named Andhracoides gebaueriHistorical importance EditBelum Caves are geologically and historically important caves There are indications that Jains and Buddhists monks occupied these caves centuries ago Many Buddhists relics were found inside the caves These relics are now housed in Museum at Ananthapur Archaeological survey of India ASI also found remnants of vessels of the pre Buddhist era and dated the remnants of these objects to 4500 years BCE 6 Biological importance EditA new and second Indian cavernicolous inhabiting caves species of the genus Andhracoides was discovered in the Pataalaganga chamber The organism is named Andhracoides gebaueri in honor of Herbert Daniel Gebauer who documented and mapped the complete cave 7 Development EditThe caves were being used to dump wastes from nearby places until 1988 Local people of nearby settlements notably Policemen and residents of Belum Village co operated with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and developed the cave site as a tourist attraction Finally their almost two decade long efforts resulted in the Government of Andhra Pradesh declaring the entire area to be a protected zone Finally in 1999 the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation took over the task of beautifying and maintaining the caves The APTDC who has since been in charge of management sanctioned Rs 7 5 million to develop the caves 6 The APTDC has also developed the pathways of around 2 km 1 2 mi length in and outside of the caves provided illumination and has created fresh air shafts at the site Inside the cave APTDC has installed bridges and staircases and a canteen bathrooms and toilet facilities at the entry point APTDC also has built a Haritha Hotel for accommodation in the vicinity There is a sizeable Buddha statue near on a hillock near the caves One of the caverns at Belum is known as the Meditation Hall which was used by Buddhist monks Relics of the Buddhist period were found here These relics are now housed in a museum in Ananthapur Entry Edit Map of Belum Caves engraved on a Board near entrance Indian tourists are charged an amount of Rs 65 for entry while foreign tourists are charged Rs 300 At the entrance there is an electronic cave gate A metal staircase leads down into the cave The entrance pit was originally smaller than what one sees today It was broadened to fit the staircase to allow visitors to descend and ascend easily The entrance is like that of a Pit Cave From the ground you can only see two pits side by side and a third pit a little further away After descending around 20 meters by the stairs from the entrance the caves become horizontal The first section one enters is called the Gebauer Hall named after the speleologist H Daniel Gebauer who had explored and mapped the caves in 1982 1983 The path to Gebauer Hall leads to the second opening which lies next to the main entrance Main Sections of Belum Caves Edit Meditation Hall inside Belum Caves Simhadwaram simhadwaram means lion s gate It is a natural arch of stalactites formed in the shape of a lion s head Kotilingalu Chamber This section contains stalactite formations which are akin to Shiva lingams This section has thousands of such stalactite giving it a surrealistic look It has one huge pillar formed due to stalactite and stalagmite joining together Patalaganga It is a small perennial stream which disappears into the depths of the earth This stream flows from the southeast to northwest It disappears and is believed to be heading towards a well at the Belum village located 2 km away from the caves Saptasvarala Guha or Musical Chamber Saptasvarala Guha means chamber of seven notes The stalactite formations in this chamber reproduce musical sounds when these are struck with a wooden stick or knuckles This section was opened to the public in 2006 8 Dhyan Mandir or Meditation Hall This section is near to the entrance An interesting formation at Meditation hall looks like a bed with pillow to recline The local legend has it that in ancient times many sages used to live here This section was used by Buddhist Monks Many relics of Buddhist period were found here which are now housed in museum at Ananthapur Thousand Hoods This section has amazing stalactite formations shaped like hood of Cobra The stalactite formations on the ceiling looks as if thousands of cobras have opened their hoods Banyan Tree Hall This section has a huge pillar with stalactites hanging from the ceiling This gives a look of Banyan Tree with its aerial roots when seen from below The locals call it Voodalamari since it looks like a Banyan Tree with its aerial roots hanging from the branches Mandapam This is a huge area inside the cave with magnificent stalactite structures on the sides giving it a look of a hall with pillars Awards to APTDC for Belum Caves EditIn 2003 APTDC won the prestigious National Tourism Awards instituted by Ministry of Tourism and Culture Government of India for its initiatives in developing and promoting Belum Caves Belum caves was also adjudged the best destination award 2002 at the Tourism and Travel Fair held in Bangalore in 2002 9 Access EditThe nearest railhead to reach Belum Caves is Tadipatri in Ananthapuramu district 30 km 18 6 mi away There are daily or weekly trains from Delhi Mumbai Chennai Hyderabad Tirupati Kanyakumari Thiruvananthapuram Coimbatore and Goa which halt at Tadipatri railway station From Tadipatri one can take a bus to the Belum Caves Frequently available buses which ply between Tadipatri and Banaganapalli of Nandyala district drop you at Belum caves Gallery Edit Interiors Ceiling of Hall of Thousand Hoods Man striking stalactite formation to produce musical notes Passage inside the Caves Visitors inside the Caves Outside view of Belum Caves Narrow Passage Through Belum Caves Narrow Passage Through Belum Caves Ceiling of Belum Caves interiors Rock Carving Ancient sculpture Rock Carving Budha Statue Ceiling of Belum Caves Passage in the cave Passage in the cave Evening in BelumSee also EditList of India cave temples Cave research in IndiaReferences Edit a b Underground adventure in Belum caves Deccan Herald 27 January 2008 Archived from the original on 2 June 2008 Centrally Protected Monuments Archeological Survey of India Archived from the original on 26 June 2017 Retrieved 27 May 2017 Reddy K Thimma 1976 Billasurgam An Upper Palaeolithic Cave Site in South India Real location of the bloody feud in Rakta Charitra OnManorama Retrieved 31 August 2018 1 The Hindu Business Line Belum caves on the tourist map a b 2 Show Caves of India Belum Caves 3 new species Educationworldonline net Belum caves bag prestigious award The Times of India 18 January 2003 Further reading EditA new species of Andhracoides Wilson and Ranga Reddy 2011 Isopoda Hypsimetopidae from Belum Cave Andhra Pradesh India with a phylogenetic review of the family by George D F Wilson Shabuddin Shaik and Yenumula Ranga Reddy Source Journal of Crustacean Biology Volume 35 Issue 2 pages 216 240 Publication Year 2015 DOI 10 1163 1937240X 00002333 ISSN 0278 0372 E ISSN 1937 240X Document Type Research Article http booksandjournals brillonline com content journals 10 1163 1937240x 00002333External links Edit Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Belum Caves Wikimedia Commons has media related to Belum Caves www BelumCaves com Website Deccan Herald Underground adventure in Belum caves The Telegraph Calcutta Weekend cave biology org Cave biology biospeleology in India Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Belum Caves amp oldid 1114180324, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
