Belum Caves

Belum Caves is a large limestone cave system near Kolimigundla in Andhra Pradesh that stretches underground for many meters with long passages and spacious chambers. The formations include stalactites hanging from ceilings, stalagmites rising from floors, and column formations where these features meet, creating a landscape that resembles a natural sculpture garden.

The caves formed millions of years ago through the slow dissolution of limestone and are believed to be thousands of years old. Long hidden from most people, they only gained wider recognition and thorough exploration in recent decades, when they became accessible to visitors and attracted scientific interest.

Local communities have long stories about the caves serving as places of shelter and spiritual practice for monks and travelers over the centuries. Visitors walking through the quiet chambers today can sense this historical connection and the reverent atmosphere that such a place naturally carries.

Wear comfortable shoes as the paths are uneven in places, and bring a flashlight since some areas are dark and receive little natural light. The temperature inside remains cool and constant, making a visit pleasant even during hot weather.

Several chambers are named for their appearance or shape, such as the Concert Hall and the Buddha Hall, reflecting how these spaces evoke spiritual or artistic feelings in those who walk through them. These names add an extra layer of discovery as visitors explore, turning the underground journey into a story of named spaces and their distinct characters.