Belum caves are the second biggest known cave in the Indian sub-continent, after the Krem Liat Prah caves in Meghalaya. These caves are in Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh state, India.

Belum caves were formed naturally due to the river waters flowing through them. These caves were developed over tens of thousands of years by the constant flow of water. The river seems to have dried up or changed its course now. Belum caves have stalactite and stalagmite formations that make you spellbound.

The total length of the cave is around three and a half kilometers. Tourists can walk through this underground cave for approximately 1.5 kilometers, after which the oxygen supply is not there. There are 16 pathways. There are Oxygen blowers and exhausts inside the caves.

Though the area around the cave looks plain, you will be astonished to see the wonders nature has made for you. The caves are a paradise for any photographer. These caves are made of black limestone.

Once you enter the caves, it becomes dark. The caves are fitted with lights for better visibility. Man-made steps and railings are there for the visitors to explore the caves. Around two kilometers from the entry point, the cave goes 150 feet below ground level. Visitors are not allowed to go to that point. Clay vessels found inside the caves are estimated to be from BC 4000.

These caves were discovered in 1884 by Robert Bruce Fruit, a Geologist from the UK, who worked for the Indian geological survey department. For the next 100 years or so, these caves were neglected. From 1982 to 1983, a team under Herbert Daniel Gebauer, a German speleologist, made detailed exploration of the caves. The caves were opened to the public in 2002, by the Andhra Pradesh state government.

Entry to the caves is from 10 am. Adult entry fees are INR 65 and INR 45 for children (rates updated in 2022). There is a park for the children to play, outside of the cave.

It is located at around 60 kilometers distance from Gandikota.

How do I go to Belum Caves?

Tadipatri railway station with Station code – TU is the nearest railway station to Belum caves, at around 30 kilometers distance. It is a major station where trains from different parts of India stop. Daily trains from stations like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Goa, Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, etc., are there to Tadipatri.

There are regular buses from Tadipatri to the caves area.