Borra Caves are the gem that is studded in the crown of Ananthagiri hills of Araku Valley. These limestone caves are a million-year-old and the largest caves in India at an elevation of about 705 m. The caves are spread across an area of two sq km.

How a shivalingam hidden in these caves was found?
In 1807, William King George of the Geological Survey of India found these caves. However, the locals say that it was a cowherd, who chanced upon these caves long ago. The caves were discovered when the boy lost trace of his grazing cow. While searching for his cow, he entered the caves and soon discovered a naturally formed shivalingam. To the boy’s delight, the cow was alive and safe within the caves, and that incident made him believe that it was indeed a sacred cave. As the news of this discovery spread in the village, a Shiva shrine was established outside the caves.

Another known legend has it that the shiva lingam in the Borra Caves has a stone formation of a cow above it and the udder of this cow is probably the source for Gosthani river that passes through the city of Visakhapatnam. Studies suggest that the Borra Caves were formed due to the flow of Gosthani River on limestone deposits. The caves have impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations of Shiva-Parvati, mother-child, crocodile, the human brain, rishi’s beard and cow’s udder among others.

How to reach Borra Caves?
The Vizag - Araku train halts at the station Borra Caves, which is 5 km away from the cave site. The caves are well-lit at night, courtesy the AP tourism department. There are good restaurants and eateries outside the caves offering lunch and eatables to the visitors. Hotels are also available near Borra Caves for the comfort of tourists.

Other details
Entrance Fee: INR 40 (Adult), INR 30 (Child),
Camera: INR 25 (Video: INR 100)
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM