India is a land of diversity. There is variety in everything in this country, cultural heritages, languages, traditions and customs, landscape, weather condition and the list is endless. This heavily populated nation has a whole bunch of adventure thirsty individuals, looking for newer means to quench their thirst. As a result, a lot many exciting and adventurous sports have gained popularity in India. Hence, it is no coincidence that the choice of adventure destinations in this diverse land is ample.
For the explorer out there, caving is one of the best adventure sports you can come across. Entering, exploring and feeling the insides and learning of the secrets of age old caves gives a thrill that cannot be substituted by anything else. Meghalaya in India has loads of caves that are open to enthusiastic cavers. The deepest and longest of the caves in South Asia are located on the hills of Khasi Hills in Meghalaya. Every year expert cavers from all over the globe explore the hills of Meghalaya, to find new caves and map them. In almost every district of this state, caves are located adding on to the abundance of natural beauty of Meghalaya. These caves mainly stalactite and stalagmite caves of various formations, are truly nature’s gift. Siju, Mawsmai, Mawsynram, Syndai are a few of the very many popular caves here.
Best time to visit: Caving in Meghalaya is best done in the winter months, between the months of December to March. This is when the water levels are at their lowest inside the caves. During monsoon, caving is dangerous as the rain water may flood the caves trapping the cavers inside.
Things needed for caving: Not much preparation is required to go on a caving expedition. The caving gears ranges from colored full arm and full legged jumpsuits, fibre protective helmets that are fitted with carbide lamps are the basic must haves.
How to get there: There is no railway line in Meghalaya. The only way to enter into this state is by road. The road transport communication of Meghalaya however is quite good. Buses, trucks and even private cars are also very swiftly can go into the distant hilly areas. The closest railway station is at Guwahati. From here it takes about 5 hours by taxi to cover the 105 km to Meghalaya.
Caving tips: Here are some tips that you need to keep in mind when you go on a caving expedition:
- Never go alone.
- Carry with you, three sources of light as backup.
- Wear a protective helmet with a chin strap
- Wear boots with rubber soles.
- Dress warmly, with cotton clothing.
- Carry some energy food along.
- Take nylon tubular webbing and a carabiner for climbing inside the caves.
- Tell someone where you are going and your estimated time of return.
Interesting facts about caves in Meghalaya:
- The deepest cave in the subcontinent is found in Meghalaya.
- The longest cave in the subcontinent is found in Meghalaya.
- Meghalaya is one amongst the ‘Top 10 caving destinations of the world’.
- The top three longest caves of Meghalaya are:
- Krem Kotsati
- Synrang Pamiang
- Krem Umthloo (Tongseng)
Thrillophilia’s caving packages:
Thrillophilia has several customizable packages to places all over the country, including trip to Meghalaya to indulge in caving and exploring. Reach us today, to get your own personalized travel package and enjoy the best holiday you have ever been to!
More sporting activities:
The hills of Meghalaya make for perfect sports for trekking, while the several rapids offer ideal waterways for those who love kayaking and rafting. So while you explore the caves, add some water fun too to your trip for a wholesome experience.
