Borra Caves

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Borra Caves, also known as Borrā Guhalu, are a large limestone cave system in Andhra Pradesh, India. They sit in Borra village, high in the Ananthagiri hills of the Eastern Ghats, near Araku Valley. The caves are about 705 meters above sea level and extend up to around 80 meters deep, making them one of the deepest caves in the country.

Inside the caves you’ll see many stalactites hanging from the roof and stalagmites rising from the ground. The cave is mostly dark, with a few lights to help visitors view the formations. The walls stay around 16°C (61°F) year‑round.

Legends abound about the caves. One story tells of a cow that supposedly fell through a hole in the roof, and a Lingam stone found inside led locals to build a small temple outside. Another tale links a holy cow formation to the Gosthani River, which is said to start here and flow to the Bay of Bengal.

Geology and environment: the caves are carved out of white limestone. Water drips from the ceiling, helping shapes form over thousands of years. The Gosthani River begins in these caves and helps water nearby towns. The area around the caves is rich in flora and fauna, including bats (notably the fulvous fruit bat) and the golden gecko. Microorganisms also play a role in the cave’s stone formations.

Archaeology: tools from the Middle Paleolithic period have been found here, showing that people lived in this area long ago.

Visiting: the nearest major airport is Visakhapatnam (about 76 km away). Trains run to the Borra Guhalu railway station on the Kothavalasa–Kirandul line, with a typical journey from Visakhapatnam taking about five hours. The caves are also part of guided day trips from nearby Araku Valley, including stops at Tyada Tunnel, Damuku View Point, Padmapuram Gardens and the Araku Valley. The Andhra Pradesh State Tourism Department offers rail‑cum‑road tour packages to the caves. The best time to visit is November and December.