Borra caves

Borra caves

Borra guhalu get their name from a formation inside the caves that looks like the human brain, which in the local language, telugu, is known as borra. Borra caves is highly renowned for its attractive stalactite and stalagmite formations and is located at 1400 meter above sea level in anantagiri area of visakhapatnam

One-million-year-old Borra Caves spread over the Eastern Ghats and occupying an area of 2 square kilometers. The Borra caves are breathtakingly beautiful and the natural formation of these caves is also unique. The limestone caves were formed as a result of the action of the Gosthani river. The river which now flows through the caves was once upon a time flowing over the limestone area. The caves were formed due to the pressure exerted by the river water on the mineral deposits, the lime stones dissolved and gradually. It was a two-way process. The dissolved limestone trickled down drop by drop on the floor of the cave. These solidify to form the irregularly shaped stalagmites.

According legend, the cowherd came across the caves while searching for the cow, grazing on the top of the caves, fell down 60 metres, through a hole in the roof. There is also a stalagmite inside the cave that resembles a Lingam, and many people flock to the cave to get a glimpse of it.

Inside the caves there are several interesting structures. Mushroom formation, a temple, a mosque, a church and many more contribute to the place beauty. there are traces of yellow-colored sulphur deposits on the ground Along with the calcium deposits,. Flowing between the solidified stalagmites and stalactites is the Gosthani river which heads towards Orissa, once out of the caves.

Inhabited by tribals surrounding The entire region Borra caves has enormous religious significance. the interior of the caves made colorful and spectacular by sixty-three lamps of mercury, sodium vapor and halogen lamps which make the Borra caves are brightly illuminated.

There are mica mines in and around Borra village and it is believed that there are immense possibilities of mining precious stones like rubies here. A big project known as the Thalipudi Reservoir scheme is being constructed at cost of Rs 4.5 crore across the river Gosthami at Thatipudi.

Situated at around 90 Kms from the City by road, Borra caves at the Anantagiri Mandal are one of the best places to visit in Vizag. The Caves are just 29 Km on road from Araku Valley.