Nestled in the Ananthagiri hills of the Araku valley are one of the largest caves of the Indian subcontinent called the Borra Caves. These caves are spectacularly known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations that have withstood the passage of time for over a million years.

The caves discovered by William King George in 1807 are said to have originated from the river Gosthani due to its continuous flow of action over the limestone terrain. Legend has it that the Borra caves were discovered by native tribes when a cow grazing atop the caves fell through a hole in the roof.

A stone resembling a Lingam was found inside the cave which was believed to be an interpretation of Lord Shiva who protected the cow. In honour of this belief a small temple for Lord Shiva has been built outside the cave that draws a lot of devotees. The Borra Caves also known as Borra Guhalu are a splendid tourist attraction for both historical and religious purposes.

Entrance into Borra Caves:

The Borra caves located at a distance of 92 km north of Visakhapatnam lie 3000 ft above sea level. The entrance to the caves which is about 100 meters in height and 75 meters in width are marked by steps leading down that are carved from the rocks and to greet you at the entrance are monkeys that hang around large trees.

Official Information Board outside the Borra Caves:

An information board at the entry point to the caves provides visitors with a brief history and other details of the caves and its surroundings.

See More: Krubera Cave Pictures

Religious Bearing:

While the Borra Caves are one of the best tourist attractions in the state of Andhra Pradesh, local people flock to the caves daily to worship the Shivalinga and the stone idol of the holy cow or Kamadhenu that sits above the Lingam deep inside the cave. It is a popular belief that the cow’s udder is the source of the Gosthani River from where the caves have their origin.