Borra Caves Araku (Timings, Entry Fee, History, Location, Images & Facts)

Borra Caves are one of the most striking natural attractions in Andhra Pradesh. They sit in the Ananthagiri Hills of the Eastern Ghats, close to Araku Valley, and the caves stay open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Inside, colored lights fall on limestone columns that took millions of years to form.

This guide covers everything you need before you go. You will find the latest timings, entry fee details, history, distances from Araku and Visakhapatnam, train and road options, the best season to visit and the places worth adding to your trip. Prices and timings can change, so treat the numbers below as a planning guide and confirm them at the ticket counter.

Overview of Borra Caves, Araku

Borra Caves, also called Borra Guhalu, are a karst limestone cave system in the Araku Valley region of Andhra Pradesh. Most sources describe them as one of the largest and deepest cave systems in India, reaching roughly 80 meters deep.

The name comes from Telugu. “Borra” is generally explained as something that has bored into the earth, and “guhalu” means caves. The name suits the place well.

Here is a quick snapshot:

• Type: Karst limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites
• Elevation: About 705 meters above sea level
• Area: Roughly one to two square kilometers, depending on the source
• River: The Gosthani River flows through the cave
• Time needed: About 1.5 to 2 hours
• Temperature inside: Cool, often reported between 16°C and 20°C

The caves are lit with colored lights, which makes the formations easy to see and photograph. Locals also treat the caves as sacred because of a natural Shivalinga formation deep inside.

Borra Caves Location

Borra Caves are in Borra village, Ananthagiri Mandal, in the Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh. Older articles still place them in Visakhapatnam district, which was true before the district boundaries were reorganized. The PIN code commonly listed is 531149, though some maps show 535145.

The caves sit on the Visakhapatnam to Araku route, which makes them an easy stop for anyone heading to the hill station.

Key distances at a glance:

1. Visakhapatnam city: about 90 to 95 km
2. Araku Valley: about 36 km
3. Borra Guhalu railway station: about 2 to 3 km
4. Visakhapatnam Airport: about 83 to 100 km, depending on the route
5. Katiki Waterfalls: roughly 7 km by most travel guides

Why the location matters for travelers

The caves lie inside a forested hill region with winding roads and steady climbs. A drive that looks short on a map often takes longer than expected. Plan around hours, not kilometers.

History of Borra Caves

The caves are usually credited to William King George of the Geological Survey of India, who is said to have documented them in 1807. A few researchers question that date, so some sources describe the early record with caution. What no source disputes is that local tribal communities, including the Kondh people, knew the caves long before any survey.

How the caves formed

The limestone in this region is very old, with some sources placing it at around 150 million years. The caves themselves are much younger. They were carved by water over a few million years.

Here is the simple version of how it happened:

1. Rainwater picked up carbon dioxide and became slightly acidic.
2. That water seeped into limestone and slowly dissolved it.
3. Streams feeding the Gosthani River widened the cracks into chambers.
4. Dripping water left behind calcium deposits, which grew into stalactites and stalagmites.

This is why the caves are still changing. The drip never stopped.

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Archaeological importance

Stone tools found in the area, reported as Paleolithic, point to early human presence. One travel source dates them to between 30,000 and 50,000 years ago. This gives the caves value beyond geology.

The legend of the cow and the Shivalinga

The local story says a cowherd lost a cow and followed its trail to the cave mouth. Inside, a Shivalinga stood beneath a stone cow, and the river was said to flow from the cow’s udder. The name Gosthani is often explained as “cow’s udder” for this reason. Visitors still stop at the shrine and offer prayers.

What Are Borra Caves Famous For?

Borra Caves are famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, their depth, their colored lighting and their link to Hindu legend. Many travelers also remember the train journey from Visakhapatnam, which runs through the hills on the way here.

Here is what draws people most:

• Dramatic limestone formations: Hanging spikes and rising columns fill the chambers.
• Natural shapes with names: Guides point out forms such as the Shivalinga, a cow, Mother and Child, a crocodile and Rishi’s Beard.
• Underground river: The Gosthani flows through the lower levels.
• Cool interior: A pleasant break from the heat outside.
• Photography: The lighting gives good contrast, though flash rules may apply.
• Scenic setting: Coffee plantations, hills and valleys surround the area.

Why the formations look so varied

Water drips at different speeds in different spots. Slow drips build thin, delicate structures. Fast drips build thick columns. That variety is what gives the cave its sculpted look.

Interesting Facts About Borra Caves

Here are facts worth knowing before you go:

1. Depth: The caves reach about 80 meters, and many sources call them the deepest in India.
2. Elevation: About 705 meters above sea level is the figure most guides use.
3. Rail above the cave: The railway line runs over the cave area, and the train passes just before Borra Guhalu station.
4. Living cave: Drip formation continues today, so the caves are still growing.
5. Cool all year: The interior stays cooler than the outside, even in summer.
6. Annual rainfall: The area receives around 950 mm, mostly from the northeast monsoon.
7. Old stone, young cave: The rock is far older than the cave carved inside it.
8. Tribal knowledge: Local communities knew the caves long before records began.
9. Lighting: Electric and colored lights were added for tourism. Carry a small torch anyway.
10. Self guided visit: Many visitors walk through on their own, though local guides are often available.

Borra Caves Timings

Borra Caves are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays. Some sources report that the ticket counter closes for lunch between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM, so plan around that gap.

Visiting tips for timing:

• Arrive between 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM to avoid the lunch break.
• Weekday mornings are usually calmer than weekend afternoons.
• Finish by 4:30 PM if you want to see nearby spots before dark.
• Festival days and school holidays bring larger crowds.

A few older websites list slightly different hours, such as a 5:30 PM closing or a 9:00 AM opening. If your trip depends on exact timing, call the local tourism office or ask your driver or hotel.

Borra Caves Entry Fee and Ticket Price

Most recent sources list adult tickets at ₹60 and child tickets (up to 12 years) at ₹45. Some older pages still show ₹40 or ₹50, so prices have clearly changed over the years.

Commonly reported charges:

Item	Typical charge
Adult ticket	₹60
Child ticket (up to 12 years)	₹45
Phone camera	₹25
Still or digital camera	₹25 to ₹100
Video camera	₹100 or higher
Parking, two wheeler	₹10
Parking, car	₹30

Camera and parking charges vary between sources, so use them as a rough budget and confirm at the gate.

Budget tips

• Carry small notes for tickets and parking.
• Keep your phone camera fee in mind if you plan to record video.
• Local guide charges are usually separate and are often negotiated on the spot.
• Ask whether the counter accepts digital payments, since networks can be weak here.

How to Reach Borra Caves

You can reach Borra Caves by road, by train or by air plus a road transfer. The train is the most scenic option and the road is the most flexible.

By road

Taxis and private cars run from Visakhapatnam, and the drive usually takes around two and a half to three hours depending on traffic. Buses run toward Araku, and you can get down near the Borra Caves road. A rented cab from Araku Valley is another easy way, and one route estimate puts taxi fares around ₹700 to ₹900 for that stretch.

By train

The Kothavalasa Kirandul (KK) line connects Visakhapatnam with Araku Valley and passes the Borra Guhalu station. The station is about 2 to 3 km from the cave entrance. The ride takes roughly four to five hours from Visakhapatnam, and travelers often describe dozens of tunnels along the way. Exact tunnel counts differ between sources, so don’t rely on a single number.

Some trains offer glass roofed Vistadome coaches, which give wide views of the Eastern Ghats. Check the current train schedule and seat availability before booking, since timings change.

By air

The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport. From there, take a taxi or a bus toward Araku and then the Borra Caves road.

Practical advice for first time visitors

1. Start early so you are not rushing the cave visit.
2. If you take the train up, arrange a taxi from the station to the caves in advance.
3. Keep a buffer for slow hill traffic.
4. Book a return option before you leave, because transport thins out after sunset.

Borra Caves to Araku Distance

Borra Caves are about 36 km from Araku Valley. The drive takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour, depending on road conditions.

Some pages list the gap as 29 km or 39 km, which probably reflects different starting points. For planning, use 36 km and about an hour.

Many travelers combine the two in a single day. If you do, visit the caves first while energy and daylight are best, then continue to Araku for coffee plantations and viewpoints.

Borraguhallu to Borra Caves Distance

Borra Guhalu railway station is about 2 to 3 km from the Borra Caves entrance. Sources give slightly different numbers, but all agree it is a short hop.

You can cover it in a few minutes by auto or taxi. Some visitors walk, though the climb and the heat can make it tiring. Hire a local ride if you are traveling with children or older family members.

The station is small and has limited facilities, so carry water and snacks.

Best Time to Visit Borra Caves

The best time to visit Borra Caves is from October to March, when the weather is cool and dry. Winter days are comfortable for the walk and the surrounding sightseeing.

Season by season:

• October to February: Pleasant weather, good for caves, plantations and viewpoints. This is the most popular window.
• March to May: Warmer outside, though the cave interior stays cool. Go early in the day.
• June to September: Green hills and a fresh landscape, but wet paths and slippery steps. Road travel in the hills can slow down.

My practical advice

If you want clear views and easy travel, choose November to January. If you prefer lush scenery and fewer crowds, a post monsoon trip in early autumn can work, but wear shoes with good grip. Expect wet floors in the cave.

Borra Caves Attractions

Inside the cave, the main sights are formations that guides have named after shapes people recognize. Names can vary slightly from guide to guide.

Notable formations and features:

1. Shivalinga: The best known formation, with a shrine and ongoing worship.
2. Cow (Kamadhenu) idol: Linked to the Gosthani river legend.
3. Mother and Child: A formation that guides point out with a story.
4. Crocodile: A stalactite shape that resembles the animal.
5. Rishi’s Beard: Long thin deposits that look like a sage’s beard.
6. Underground stream: The Gosthani can often be heard inside.

What you will feel and see

The air turns cooler as you go in. The path narrows in places, and the floor can be damp. Colored lights shift the mood from chamber to chamber. Listen for water dripping and the faint sound of the stream below.

Tips for a better visit

• Wear shoes with good grip.
• Hold railings on slippery steps.
• Do not touch the formations, because skin oils can damage them.
• Walk slowly, since the lighting is uneven in a few corners.
• Take a small torch, as some sources suggest.

Borra Caves Photos and Images

Borra Caves are very photogenic, mostly because of the lighting and textures. Here are some ideas for strong images:

• Cave mouth and entrance: Shoot from a distance to capture the scale.
• Shivalinga shrine: Be respectful and ask before photographing worshippers.
• Close ups of stalactites: Use a steady hand and avoid touching.
• Wide chambers: A phone’s night mode helps in dim sections.
• Railway and valley views: The surroundings add a strong sense of place.

Photography rules

Camera fees apply, and the charge depends on the equipment. Rules on flash and video can change, so ask at the ticket counter. For the best results, keep your phone steady, use night mode, and avoid zooming too much.

If you are publishing this guide, add your own original photos with descriptive alt text such as “colored lights on stalactites inside Borra Caves” so they support both search and accessibility.

Borra Caves Nearby Attractions

The caves work well as a stop on a wider Araku trip. Here are nearby places to consider:

1. Araku Valley: A hill station with coffee plantations, viewpoints and tribal culture.
2. Katiki Waterfalls: A scenic fall fed by the Gosthani River, reached by road and a short walk. Distance figures vary, with roughly 7 km the most common.
3. Tribal Museum, Araku: A look at local tribal life, crafts and traditions.
4. Padmapuram Gardens: Botanical gardens near Araku, good for a relaxed stop.
5. Tyda Nature Camp: A forest and nature activity spot on the route.
6. Ananthagiri coffee plantations: Roadside plantations, especially lovely in the cooler months.
7. Damuku Viewpoint: A scenic stop often included in day tours.
8. Lambasingi: A cooler hill spot farther away, popular in winter.

A simple one day plan

1. Leave Visakhapatnam early in the morning.
2. Reach Borra Caves between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
3. Visit the caves and finish by about 1:00 PM.
4. Have lunch nearby.
5. Visit Katiki Waterfalls if time and weather allow.
6. Continue to Araku for plantations and viewpoints.
7. Head back before dark.

Facilities Available at Borra Caves

The site has basic facilities, enough for a comfortable visit but not luxury.

• Parking: Available near the entrance, though it can fill up on weekends.
• Ticket counter: At the main gate.
• Food stalls: Snacks and drinks are sold nearby.
• Restrooms: Basic facilities exist, though quality can vary.
• Souvenir shops: Local crafts and small keepsakes.
• Guides: Often available at the gate for a negotiated fee.
• Stay options: Limited near the caves, so most travelers stay in Araku or Visakhapatnam.

What to carry

1. Water bottle
2. Light snacks
3. Small torch
4. Comfortable shoes with grip
5. Cash for small payments
6. A light jacket if you feel the cave chill

FAQs

Where are Borra Caves located?

Borra Caves are in the Ananthagiri Hills of Araku Valley, in Alluri Sitharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh.

What are the Borra Caves timings?

They are open every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The ticket counter may close briefly around lunch.

What is the Borra Caves entry fee?

Adult tickets are commonly listed at ₹60 and child tickets at ₹45. Camera and parking charges are extra.

How far are Borra Caves from Visakhapatnam?

They are about 90 to 95 km away, usually a two and a half to three hour drive.

How far are Borra Caves from Araku Valley?

About 36 km, which takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour by road.

How far is Borra Guhalu station from the caves?

The station is about 2 to 3 km from the cave entrance.

What is the best time to visit Borra Caves?

October to March is best, when the weather is cool and dry.

How long does a Borra Caves visit take?

Most visitors need 1.5 to 2 hours for the caves alone.

Who discovered Borra Caves?

William King George of the Geological Survey of India is usually credited, around 1807, though local tribes knew them earlier.

How deep are Borra Caves?

They reach around 80 meters, and many sources call them among the deepest caves in India.

Is photography allowed inside Borra Caves?

Yes, with a camera fee. Check flash and video rules at the counter.

Are Borra Caves suitable for children and seniors?

Generally yes, but the floor can be slippery and the path uneven, so go slowly with support.

Conclusion

Borra Caves combine geology, legend and scenery in one easy stop. The limestone chambers, the Gosthani River, the colored lighting and the Shivalinga shrine give every visitor something to remember.

Plan your trip for October to March, start early, and wear shoes with grip. Combine the caves with Katiki Waterfalls and Araku Valley for a full day out. Because fees, timings and distances change, confirm the latest details at the gate or with a local driver before you set out.