Speleologists Heaven: – Meghalayan Caves are among some of the longest and most sought-after caves in India. There are around 1000 caves in the North-Eastern state of Meghalaya, India, This makes Meghalaya state a Speleologists Heaven (i.e., Cave researchers).
Jantia Hill’s Cave Expedition is in progress. Photo Source: Creative Commons
The Caves are the main Shillong tourist attractions in the state of Meghalaya.
Krem Liat Prah Cave is the largest cave in the Indian sub-continent, with a length of nearly 30,957 meters. It is also regarded as one of the best caves and is bestowed with nature’s beauty. It is a sedimentary rock formation with deposits of quartz alone and quartz with feldspar. The cave entrance is a huge one, which is the main attraction of this cave. This is in contrast to other caves in India, which have narrow entrances. The blue waters from a stream stretch across the primary passageway of the Krem Liat Prah cave, which makes one of the best and most mesmerizing ambiances, making it a Speleologist Heaven. It is situated in the Jaintia Hills.
Krem KotSati Kotsati is the second-longest cave in Meghalaya, with a length of 21,530 meters. Krem Tyngheng Diengjem is the third largest cave, having a length of 21,250 meters.
Krem Mawmluh Cave is 4503 meters in height. Five rivers pass close to the cave of Krem Mawmluh. Krem Mawmluh Cave is made of stalagmite formations. Krem Mawmluh Cave is situated at around half a kilometer distance on the western side of Cherrapunjee. Krem Mawmluh Cave is always filled with water and is also a Speleologist’s Heaven. You need to wade through water to explore this cave. It has stalactite, stalagmite, and rock fossils.
Mawsynram Cave is made of stalagmite formations resembling a “Shivalinga”. This cave is known locally as “Mawjymbuin”. Mawsynram cave is located at a distance of 56 kilometers from Shillong at Mawsynram village. Those with trekking exposure can go to the peak of the rock formation from the base of the stalagmite formation by upward trekking, The view from the peak point is worth trekking; it gives a clear view of the valley, the plans, and the gushing river waters of Bangladesh. “Symper Rock”, an extraordinary formation of rocks close to the Weiloi Village, is at a distance of one and a half kilometers from the Ranikor – Balat – Mawsynram – Shillong Highway. The body of this rock formation resembles a dome, and this rock formation ascends all of a sudden from among the hillocks of the nearby region.
Mawsmai Cave, alias Krem Phyllutis, is close to the Nohsngithiang Falls. Mawsmai Cave has huge halls and galleries that interconnect the different cave halls. Mawsmai Cave’s entry point is near Cherrapunjee, the place that receives the maximum rainfall in India. This cave is pitch dark, and torchlight or candles are required to see this incredible cave. The light gets reflected in a large number of crystal colors.
Siju cave alias Dobakkol (means bat’s cave) is on the banks of River Simsang, near the Siju village. Naphak Lake lies close to Siju Cave. This cave is a stalactite lime-stone formation that looks like the Blue Grotto caves of the Isle of Capri. Siju Cave is the third-longest cave in India. Siju caves are situated 30 kilometers on the northern side of Baghmara.
Krem Kotsati, a 3650-meter lengthy cave, is another cave that has eight entrances! You have to wade through a pool of water with appropriate swimming wear if you are entering from the main entrance. Otherwise, you may have to depend on inflatable rubber boats or swim to enter this case, as river waters enter the cave at Krem Kotsati.
Krem Lashinng is another major cave at around 37 kilometers distance from Jowai. The cave is a large one with a length of 1650 meters, a width of 50 meters, and 40 meters in height. This cave is covered with mud and is very slippery; it is a dangerous cave without the help of guides. Months preceding the monsoon season, i.e., February and March, are the ideal season to visit the Krem Lashinng cave.
Krem Soh Shympi is another deep cave situated at Mawlong village, with a 20-meter deep pot-hole entrance and a length of 760 meters.
Krem Umshangktat is one of the most sought-after caves in Meghalaya. Entry into this cave requires tedious trekking. This cave has a length of 955 meters, and the entrance to the cave is 350 meters in width.
Krem Laitprah or Um Imladit is the longest cave In India, with a length of approximately 22 kilometers. This is also in Meghalaya state.
Krem Sweep, at a distance of 47 kilometers from Jowai, is another major cave in Meghalaya, famous for its stalactite and stalagmite formations.
How Do I Go to The Speleologists Heaven in Meghalaya?
Meghalayan Caves, which are considered as Speleologist’s Heaven, can be accessed from Cherrapunjee.
Cherrapunjee Town is located around 85 kilometers from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Guwahati, in the state of Assam, is the nearest airport at 128 kilometers from Shillong.