Visit the Awesome Kailash and Kotumsar Caves: The Underground Caves Of Chhattisgarh (2024)
Are you an offbeat traveller? Do you love exploring the unexplored or the mysterious place? If your answer is yes, then we have found just the right vacation destination for you. Located in Central India, it is no surprise that the Indian state of Chhattisgarh is a popular vacation destination which is well – known for its abundant natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. While there are plenty of scenic sightseeing attractions to visit in Chhattisgarh, but if you are looking for something different and offbeat destinations in Chhattisgarh, then the Kailash and Kutumsar caves will prove to be perfect for you.
These underground Kailash and Kotumsar cave offer its visitors a mysterious aura, a unique thrill and an offbeat experience which will stay with you for long. Nestled amidst natural greenery, the cave is nothing short of a less known treasure which will offer you a great adventure. Want to know more about these underground caves of Chhattisgarh? If yes, then don’t worry for researching because you have stumbled across the right place. In this Kailash and Kotumsar cave travel guide we have brought for you some important information about the place for you. Make sure to read the entire article before actually proceeding with any travel plans!
Overview of Kailash and Kotumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh
Before making any decision regarding the vacation destination, let us know how the place exactly is. Located near the Tirathgarh falls, which are a popular sightseeing attraction of Chhattisgarh, the Kailash and Kutumsar caves are basically underground caves nestled in the Jagdalpur city. Situated at a depth of about 35 m below the ground level, these caves are pretty popular among adventure lovers and offbeat travellers. Boasting of having a length of over two kilometres, the Kailash and Kutumsar caves are believed to be the second longest natural cave across the entire world. Hence, it is not surprising that many travellers from all over the world also come to admire and explore this natural masterpiece. Another exclusive feature of these caves is that it displays incredible formations of stalactites and stalagmites. In fact, you can find one stalagmite formation towards the end of the cave which is in the shape of a Shivalinga which makes it a popular attraction of the Kailash and Kotumsar caves. Containing five chambers, visitors are allowed to access the caves only until a certain extent because going deeper than that can cause lack of oxygen. Moreover, you will also be pleased to know that this unique tourist attraction of Chhattisgarh is surrounded by the dense Kanger National Park. Owing to the lush greenery and natural beauty all around, one is bound to witness some spectacular views.
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Why Should You Visit The Kailash And Kotumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh?
Since the caves lie in the Kanger limestone belt, it is not surprising to know that the caves display a frequent deposition of limestone. Owing to its natural beauty and many unique features, this cave has caught the attention and piqued the interest of plenty of tourists from all over the country. There is a concrete path that has been specially created for the visitors to easily observe the cave uninterrupted. This path extends till the end of the cave and is of great convenience to all the visitors of the cave. Apart from that, the Kailash and Kotumsar caves also boast of having a significant ecological importance as well. Hence, it has remained in the highlights of many researchers too.
There is an enormous vertical fissure that is formed in the walls of the hill. This huge fissure serves as the entry point of the cave. The main tunnel of the cave is believed to be about 200 m long and possesses many lateral as well as downward passes. It may come as a surprise to you but thispopular cave of Chhattisgarhis also listed as one of the most biologically explored caves of India. Many new species of living creatures including animals and plants have been discovered and considered to be sourced from these caves. In fact, it was recently in the year 2011, that a new chamber was discovered in the cave by a group of forest officials. However, this chamber is yet not open for tourists because of its very low accessibility, dangers and safety concerns.
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History of the Kailash and Kotumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh
As far as the history of the Kailash and Kotumsar caves is concerned, then it is estimated that the existence of these popular caves of Chhattisgarh can be traced back in the history to the days of the British era. Further explorations and research were conceded and they have accurately mapped the cave to be present since the 1980s. Since this discovery, the Kailash and Kotumsar caveshave served as a significant place for archaeological research and was later even converted into a popular tourist destination in Chhattisgarh.In the Indian history, since the olden days, caves are believed to possess some religious inference. These caves are known to reflect the glorious days of history as well as the beautiful influence of nature on the area. With great ecological importance associated with itself, these caves are truly a treat to explore. In fact, the overall construction in cave is built according to the convenience of the visitors. One can also witness a plethora of panoramic views in the cave.
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How To Reach The Kailash And Kotumsur Caves, Chhattisgarh
The Kailash and Kotumsar caves are a rich natural and ecological gift of nature to the country of India. This popular tourist place of Chhattisgarh has played an integral role in increasing the tourism of the state. Boasting of a great ecological, biological and historic importance, the Kailash and Kotumsar cavesalone manages to attract a wide range of travellers from all over the world. Moreover, the best thing is that one can easily reach this place and explore its panoramic beauty. It is well – connected with many cities and states through multiple means of transports. Some of the best ways to reach the Kailash and Kotumsar caves are as follows:
- By Air: The nearest airport to reach the Kailash and Kotumsar caves is the Visakhapatnam airport. This airport is located at a distance of about 300 km away from the cave and connects the place to many major cities and states across the country. Other than that, you can also use the Raipur airport which is located at a distance of about 335 km from the caves. You can take a cab or hire a taxi to reach the cave from the airport. It will take you a journey of about 5 to 6 hours to reach the cave from the airport in a drive.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach the Kailash and Kotumsar caves is located in the city itself. The Jagdalpur railway station located in the Bastar region is pretty close to the caves and connect the place to many nearby cities and states. You can use any public means of transport to reach your destination from the railway station
- By Road: You will be pleased to know that the caves are easily accessible by roadways too. Located at a distance of about 40 km from the Jagdalpur city, the caves are well – connected by a network of well – maintained roads. You can reach the caves by travelling through personal vehicles. Other than that, you can also use the public transport options such as bus or cabs to reach the caves. This is considered as the best way to reach the caves.
Best Time To Visit The Kailash And Kotumsar Caves, Chhattisgarh
The Kailash and Kotumsar caves have emerged as one of the top tourist places to visit in Chhattisgarh over the years. It receives visitors from all over the country throughout the course of the year. However, for the perfect setting and best experience, it is essential to plan your travel carefully. If you are looking for the best time to visit the Kailash and Kotumsar caves, then it would be somewhere during the winter season. The place experiences winters from the beginning of the month of November and last till the month of February. This is a good time to visit the caves because the weather during this period is cold and pleasant enough for sightseeing as well as exploration activities. The temperature usually ranges between 15 to 25 degree Celsius. Monsoon is considered as the off season to visit the caves because the heavy showers and precipitations in the valley can make the trails slippery. Also, there is an accumulation of water in the caves during the monsoons which makes it dangerous and unsafe for tourists to visit the caves.
Located on the banks of the soothing river Kanger, which is situated at a distance of about 40 km from Jagdalpur city, these caves nestled in the dense forests of Kanger Valley National Park are a delight to visit for any nature lover.
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FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Kailash And Kotumsar Caves
Q1. What Are Some Popular Places To Visit Nearby The Kailash And Kotumsar Caves?
Ans. You can visit the Teerathgarh falls, the Kanger valley national park and Kangerdhara near these caves.
Q2. What Is The Ideal Time Required To Explore The Caves?
Ans. Usually, visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours to completely explore the caves.
Q3. What Is The Food Speciality Of The Region?
Ans. Some of the local delicacies you can try here are Bafuari, Arhar dal dishes and drinks made from Mahua flower.