Borra Caves are a historic site in the Aruku Valley of Vizag. The artistic limestone formations are the major attractions in Borra Caves.
The caves were discovered in 1807 by a person called William King. There are several legends related to the formation of caves and the Shiva Linga inside. Borra Caves are one of the prominent tourist places that should never be missed in Vizag. The structures of the caves are said to formed naturally and believed to be several 100 years old.
A visit to Borra Caves or Borra Guhalu (Telugu Language) will be very interesting!
Deep Inside
Borra Caves are said to be the deepest caves in India.
Photo Courtesy: Snehareddy
Discovered in 1807
A person named William King who worked for the Geological Survey of India found the ancient Borra Caves in 1807.
Photo Courtesy: Bhaskaranaidu
Artistic Limestone
Borra Caves is formed out of Karstic Limestone. One can also several Stalagamite and Stalactite structures inside the cave.
Photo Courtesy: Robbygrine
Tribal Population
The surrounding villages around the caves are inhabited by several tribes, namely: Porja, Jatapu, Kondadora, Nookadora, Valmiki, etc.
Photo Courtesy: thotfulspot
An Abode of Shiva
A Shiva Linga is there inside the caves which makes it a holy site for Hindus. Interestingly, no one knows who installed this Shiva Linga.
Photo Courtesy: Joshi detroit
Local Legends About Shiva Linga
The local tribes have different legends about the Shiva Linga inside Borra Caves. One story is that, once a cow fell inside the cave through a hole. The cowheard came inside to rescue the cow and found a stone in the shape of Linga. He thought that Shiva saved his cow and started worshipping it.
Photo Courtesy: Snehareddy
Another Legend
Above the Linga there is a stone formation of a cow. It is believed that the udder of this stone cow is the source of Gosthani river which flows across Vishakhapatnam.
Photo Courtesy: Adityamadhav83
Located in a Beautiful Valley
Borra Caves is situated in Araku Valley which is part of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra Pradesh. It is at a distance of 100km from Vishakhapatnam.
Photo Courtesy: Adityamadhav83
A Day in Borra Caves
Tourists can cover several attractions around Borra Caves: Tyda Railway Tunnel, Ananthagiri Hills, Araku Valley, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Adityamadhav83