Caving in India – Closer to the centre of Earth!

Of all the activities you can partake in, there is one that stands out. It is not as popular as some of its counterparts, but Caving in India is grabbing quite the attention in recent years. Caving is an activity involving exploring cave systems across the world. Also known sometimes as Spelunking, Caving combines the thrill of an adventure with the urge of discovering unknown (and different) land.

Meghalaya – The perfect site for Caving

Meghalaya is a mountainous state, with alternating plateaus and plunging valleys. The surrounding Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hill ranges have a number of cave systems, waiting to be found out.  Krem Liat Prah, the longest caves in India, is situated in Meghalaya. The state, also known as ‘The Abode of the Gods’, is listed as one of the ‘Top 10 caving destinations in the world’. These are reasons enough that Meghalaya is the place to be for a caving adventure. And sure enough, cave experts from around the world travel here to uncover new caverns and map them.

Caving gives you a rush that no other sport can give. The terrain is like no other; it can be quite unforgiving at times. Sudden drops, vertical climbs and narrow spaces – this activity is definitely not for the faint hearted, neither is it for those who may have issues of claustrophobia. A certain level of physical fitness is essential.

Caving 101 – A walkthrough..

Meghalaya has more than 1000 caves dotted all over the state, some unexplored, and many of them inaccessible. Yet, there are some caves which are very well known and are popular spots for Caving.

Krem Umthloo is one of the smaller caves in Meghalaya, and is ideal for beginners. It is the perfect opportunity to explore the beautiful world inside the caves, one that redefines the term ‘beauty’ in your eyes.

Krem Kotsati – One of the longest caves in India, the Krem Kotsati consists of eight entrances, one of which is in the form of a deep pool – makes for an intriguing excavation, doesn’t it?

Moving onto more complicated caves, the Krem Chympe is one of the most beautiful ones that Meghalaya has to offer. Virgin river streams run down the most unexpected places, and the most unconventional structures are formed over the years – all this just adds to the magnificence of these caves.

Once you are acquainted with the basics and are feeling confident enough you can move on to trickier and more challenging caves. Krem Sim Thabalong serves as an example; being a vertical cave, it brings another dimension of technique to what you’ve learnt. Moreover, it only fuels your excitement to the next level.

Pack your bags, and get Caving!

Caving is yet to gain the fame and popularity as some of the other sports as Scuba Diving or River Rafting have in the country. But if you have an adventurous streak in you, and get a kick from unraveling new findings, then Caving is appropriate for you. And then it goes without saying, Caving will eventually reach the heady heights of fame and be known as one of the best adventure sports in India.