Visakhapatnam opens up the door to a variety of natural wonders and Borra Caves happens to be one of them. Located in the Ananthagiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats, the beauty and mystery of these caves have fascinated visitors for years on end now. Whether you are a historian who loves unfolding details of the past or you are an archaeological geek who is intrigued by excursions of the intricate details of the caves, Borra Caves offers you all those experiences and beyond. Formed over millions of years, Borra Caves in Vizag offers a glimpse into the Earth’s history and also the local wonders that reside in India. On your next trip to Visakhapatnam, including Borra Caves in your itinerary is thus a need.
Borra Caves In Vizag Location
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Borra Caves are situated in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Araku Valley in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh, India. To give you a more precise location, these caves are located roughly 90 km from the main city of Visakhapatnam and reside at an elevation of 705 m above sea level.
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Borra Caves In Vizag History
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Although archaeologists believe that the Borra caves in Visakhapatnam have formed over a million years, it was discovered in 1807 by British geologist William King George. Details about the cave’s formation depict that these limestone caves formed due to the action of the Gosthani River. Due to its million years of age, the cave has impressive formations of stalagmites and stalactites as well. With a depth of 80 m, the caves are located 2313 feet high above sea level, surrounded by lush greenery and dense forests.
Things To Do At Borra Caves In Vizag
There are quite a few different activities to consider when exploring the list of Borra Caves in Vizag.
1. Explore The Caves
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Possibly the most important activity is exploring the caves themselves. You can embark on guided tours to significantly enhance your visit and even learn about the place’s significance in real-time from knowledgeable guides. Guides provide detailed information about the geological formations, the history of the caves, and interesting anecdotes related to the local legends. Furthermore, the fascinating limestone caves add to the cave’s charm, which has been created over a million years. You can witness them up close while exploring the caves as well.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Best Time: October to February
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2. Trekking
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Beyond the caves, the area around the Ananthagiri Hills offers a wide range of trekking opportunities you can embark on. From easy to challenging trails, there’s something to cater to every individual’s interest. The stunning views of the Eastern Ghats from these trekking trails are also quite interesting. Another popular activity is trek to the Katiki Waterfalls trek, which takes you through lush green trails and finally ends at the waterfalls, where you can soak in the beauty of the surroundings or dip at the bottom pool.
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Best Time: November to March
3. Bird Watching
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If you enjoy learning more about birds and witnessing rare ones up close, numerous bird-watching opportunities are also available. You can spot different endemic bird species like Indian Pitta and Malabar whistling Thrush in those areas as well. During the ideal seasons, some migratory birds flock into the perimeter of the Eastern Ghats as well, further adding to the beauty of the place. For a select few, there are guided bird-watching tours available too where you get to witness these unique birds with knowledgeable guides.
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Best Time: November to April
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4. Photography
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The natural beauty of the Borra caves, paired with their rustic charm, warrants an elaborate photography session. Capture the stunning natural formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The intricate shapes and patterns are also perfect subjects for photography. The artificial lighting inside the caves creates dramatic effects, highlighting the textures and contours of the rock formations. This lighting is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers.
Duration: Varies depending on the tourists
Best Time: October to March
Places To Visit Near Borra Caves In Vizag
As you wrap up your Borra Caves Vizag activities, it is time to explore some nearby sightseeing spots. To be fair, there are quite a few popular ones to add to your itinerary:
1. Araku Valley
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Without a doubt, the first sightseeing attraction nearby is Araku Valley. This picturesque hill station is known for its pleasant climate, lush greenery and coffee plantations. From touring the coffee plantations and having a tasting session to visiting the Araku Tribal Museum to learn about the indigenous tribes in the area, there’s so much to do and explore there. You can also witness the Chaparai Waterfalls and visit the Padmapuram Gardens.
Distance from Borra Caves: 36 Km
Timings: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
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2. Katiki Waterfalls
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Fairly close to Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls falls from a height of 50 feet into the Gosthani River. Reaching the top of the waterfall involves a bit of a trek, which is adventurous and fun at the same time. Since you have to trek through rugged terrains, it is a moderately challenging trek, so plan your visit accordingly. You can soak in the beauty and serenity of the waterfalls or even arrange and have a picnic there.
Distance from Borra Caves: 19.2 Km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM
3. Tyda Nature Camp
Tyda Nature Camp is an eco-tourism project that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Eastern Ghats. It is managed by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). A haven for bird watchers, the experiences at the camp include trekking and hiking through the forest, rock climbing and even archery. So, you can try various adventure sports and activities in the camp.
Distance from Borra Caves: 37.6 Km
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
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Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Prof Ranga Sai for Wikimedia Commons
Exploring caves is an arduous activity that requires a lot of physical effort. From hiking to the cave to indulging in adventure activities around the caves, a lot goes into making the most out of the experience. So, when exploring Borra Caves, plan your visit around cooler months from November to February. The weather is quite comforting and pleasant during that time, allowing you to easily explore the caves and surrounding areas. June to September brings heavy rainfall around Visakhapatnam, which can make it impossible to explore the caves and the surrounding regions since the area becomes muddy and slippery.
How To Reach
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There are multiple routes to travel to Borra Caves in Vizag. You can travel via air, train or road, depending on what’s most accessible for you. Once you reach the nearest airport, Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ), you can hire a taxi to take you directly to the caves. For convenience and budget-friendly travel, you can travel via train to Borra Guhalu Railway Station, which is roughly 3 km from Borra Caves. The railway station is on the Kothavalasa-Kirandul (KK) line.
If you are planning a road trip, you can also hire a taxi from Visakhapatnam to take you to the base of the caves. The drive winds through the Eastern Ghats, offering stunning views of the valleys and hills.
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Tips To Know Before Visiting Borra Caves
Before planning to visit Borra Caves in Vizag, know some of the essential details.
Location: Andhra Pradesh 531149
Borra Caves Vizag timings: 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM; 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Borra Caves Vizag entry fees: INR 60 for Adults, INR 45 for Children, INR 25 for the Phone Camera, INR 100 for the Digital/Still Camera, and INR 100 for the Video Camera.
Further Read: Hill Stations Near Visakhapatnam
Visiting Borra Caves in Vizag is a rewarding experience that’s filled with history, adventure and nature. Beyond their geological significance, the caves also hold a lot of importance for the local tribes. While on guided tours, you get a glimpse into those important insights and learn about the local culture and heritage. As you gear up the plan for your next trip to Andhra Pradesh, including Borra Caves in your itinerary enriches the whole travel experience.
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Cover Image credit : By rajaraman sundaram for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Borra Caves Vizag
What is the significance of the name 'Borra Caves'?
The name 'Borra' means 'hole' in Telugu. It is believed that the caves were named after a cow (Borra) that fell into a hole, leading to their discovery.
Can we take photos inside Borra Caves?
Yes, photography is allowed inside the cave. You’d have to pay extra for cameras that you carry inside the cave though.
How long does it take to explore Borra Caves?
The total Borra Caves Vizag timings for exploration depend on your pace. Usually, 1-2 hours is enough to explore the cave’s insides.
Is there any public transportation available to Borra Caves?
Yes, public buses and trains connect Visakhapatnam to Borra Caves. Taxis and private vehicles are also available for hire.
Can I visit Borra Caves during the monsoon season?
The Borra caves Vizag's best time to visit is during the cooler winter months. You want to avoid visiting during the monsoon since the paths can become slippery and risky to explore during that time.
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