Borra Caves

Borra Caves Facts

• Most impressively, the incredible location known as the Borra Caves ranks as one of the largest known caves in the country in which it formed. Its wonders don’t end there, however. The truly magnificent site also holds yet another impressive status.
• That’s because the fabulous site ranks as the deepest known cave in that same country. Quite surprisingly, this natural marvel of geology also sits at an usually high altitude. Though unknown, of course, such a combination nonetheless qualifies as unusual.
• The local indigenous population, furthermore, long knew of the presence of the natural marvel. In fact, they knew of its existence for countless centuries prior to its discovery by Europeans. Extensive archaeological evidence pointing to this fact exists.
• The caves first became known to outsiders, however, in 1807. This fortuitous discovery occurred as an accidental result of a geological survey of the country. William King George came across the site in the process of conducting that survey.
• Finally, this truly fabulous natural site also has yet one more reason to stand out. This one, though, comes in the form of a sociological importance. That’s because the Borra Caves also plays an important role in the religious beliefs of the local population.
• As part of these local beliefs, the native residents hold several legends revolving around the astounding caves. In fact, this even extends to the construction and maintenance of a small temple outside its opening, built at a currently undetermined date.

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Borra Caves Physical Description

Perhaps most notably of all, the endlessly amazing Borra Caves extend for a relatively great distance. That’s due to the fact that they have a total length measuring about 660 ft (200 m) in total. In fact, that’s an impressive measurement for a natural formation of this type.

The site also boasts a remarkably large opening. This measures roughly 330 ft (100 m) in width, and about 246 ft (75 m) in total height. Furthermore, this well known and always fascinating site also boasts numerous natural features, especially stalactites and stalagmites.

The wondrous stalactites range in length from 0.3 – 11.5 ft (0.1 – 3.5 m) in length. Meanwhile, the equally marvelous stalagmites have an average length of 3.9 ft (1.2 m). The stunning location also boasts even more magnificent features to dazzle the observer, though.

That’s because the awesome site also contains numerous fascinating limestone columns. These comparatively massive features average roughly 20 ft (6 m) in height and about 2.5 ft (0.75 m) in overall width. But the marvels of the Borra Caves do not simply stop there.

Nature, it seems, worked to create multiple wonders in this location. In point of fact, the surrounding area consists largely of impressive mica formations. Due to the unique nature of this site, numerous precious stones also appear within the mica, including rubies.

Borra Caves Location, Formation, and Ecology

Remarkably, the magnificent Borra Caves formed in a part of the world that’s itself quite remarkable. This marvel of Nature formed on what now represents the East Coast of the country of India, in Asia. Herein, it blends in perfectly with many other natural wonders.

Rather more specifically, this geological wonder formed in what is now the Ananthagiri hills, in the district of Andhra Pradesh. The Gosthani River, more precisely, created the incredible site. That’s true because it actually originates within the caves, before flowing onward.

In fact, the flowing water, over countless thousands of years, carved the caves as they exit now. It did this through its inexorable actions against the relatively soft limestone of the region. That’s not an uncommon pattern of formation, but here it’s taken to another level.

While it may seem like an inhospitable location, a multitude of life actually teems within the boundaries of the Borra Caves. For one thing, several species of fauna inhabit the caves. These mainly, but not solely, include various types of bats, and the golden gecko.

But, this seemingly miraculous location also serves as home to several varieties of very tiny crustaceans, however. Very strong evidence further indicates that this fantastic site was known to ancient man, in the quite distant past, as well as modern humans.

This holds true due to the facts uncovered by numerous expeditions to the site. As a result of these, researchers discovered numerous archaeological artifacts within the confines of the caves. To their amazement, some of these date back roughly 50,000 years.

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