Belum Caves: Visit South India’s Largest, Underground Musical Caves

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What Makes It Awesome

Turn into a cave explorer at Belum Caves, just a short drive from Andhra Pradesh’s Anantapur district. Perfect for a day trip or even a weekend getaway, Belum Caves is a natural wonder consisting of chambers and unique formations. A lesser-known destination, Belum Caves is about five hours away from our lovely city. If you're planning a quick, one-day trip to explore this historical site, we recommend an early start.

Discovered back in 1884, the maze of caves is formed from black limestone. Shaped by nature, you can explore the caves’ passages and chambers to discover fascinating stalactite and stalagmite formations. While the caves are well-lit and marked with placards providing basic information, you can also hire a guide at the entrance for a more detailed exploration.

Once inside, keep your eyes peeled for breathtaking formations—one resembling the head of a lion, another resembling a massive banyan tree with its rocky roots spread wide, and yet another that looks like a thousand hooded cobras. Don’t miss visiting the Saptasvarala Guha, a spacious chamber where the formations produce musical notes when tapped.

Timings: Belum Caves are open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day. While you can visit year-round, the best time to go is between October and March.

How To Reach: To get to Belum Caves from Bangalore, it takes about six hours or 300 kilometers by road. If you prefer taking the train, you can travel from KSR Station, Bangalore, to Dhone Station. Alternatively, there are KSRTC buses from Majestic, Bangalore, to Anantapur.

What Could Be Better

Do carry your own food and water, as resources are scarce here. Also, be prepared for the heat inside the caves.

LBB Tip

Belum Caves are of historical importance, and excavations continue to this day. In the past, archaeologists have discovered Buddhist relics here, which are now housed in the museum in nearby Anantapur. You can easily stop by the museum on your way back.

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