Inside the deep dark caves

If you ignore the legends, the real discovery of these caves happened in 1807 by William King George from the Geological Survey of India. The one thing you will perhaps find the most fascinating about these caves is that they continue to transform. The reason was the same that resulted in the formation of these caves over a long period: the reaction between calcium carbonate and limestone dissolves the minerals in the stone, leading to its disintegration. As small streams from the hills flow into the Gosthani River below, the reaction erodes the stones.

But the story doesn't end there. Water seeping from the cave roof reacts with calcium bicarbonate and other minerals on the rocks, creating mound-like stalagmites on the ground and spear-like stalactites hanging from the ceiling. These formations' diverse shapes and sizes spark the imagination, resembling sculptures of mother-child, Shiva-Parvati, monkeys, brain, crocodile, Rishi's beard, cow's udder, and more. Whether named or not, these incredible structures never fail to awe visitors.

A natural joint connects two massive stones from top to bottom towards one end of the caves. Deep inside, a plaque will inform you that the Kottavasala-Kirandul railway line passes directly above the caves at that point, with the rock thickness measuring 100 feet.

Anthropologists have unearthed stone tools older than 30,000 to 50,000 years from these caves. Apart from some lighting and fencing in certain areas and a few long staircases linking uneven plains, the cave remains largely untouched. Due to the ongoing chemical reactions, new formations emerge while old ones transform, ensuring that the Borra Caves remain a dynamic and captivating natural wonder.