Belum Caves
India’s Great Underground Labyrinth
Overview
Belum Caves, in the Nandyal region of Andhra Pradesh near Tadipatri, form one of the longest cave systems in the Indian subcontinent and are among the longest open to visitors in India. Carved by an underground stream into limestone, the caves reveal chambers, passages and formations, including a musical chamber and a deep sink. A stretch is lit and accessible on foot, and the site is often paired with the Gandikota gorge. MyTripMyTravel runs Belum Caves as an escorted underground-and-canyon leg.
Belum Caves lie beneath the flat farmland of the Nandyal district in Andhra Pradesh, an extensive limestone cave system hollowed out over ages by an underground watercourse. It ranks among the longest caves in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the longest that visitors can walk through in the country.
Inside, a developed and illuminated stretch leads past chambers, narrow galleries and dripstone formations, with named features such as a musical chamber and a deep point known as Patalaganga. The caves have yielded traces of ancient use, and a large seated Buddha statue stands on a hillock nearby, reflecting the area’s early monastic associations.
MyTripMyTravel presents Belum Caves as a distinctive underground leg, most often combined with the dramatic Gandikota gorge on the Pennar river, the so-called Grand Canyon of India. Our arrangements handle transfers, timing and guiding for a comfortable visit in a remote corner of the state.
At a glance
Belum Caves in brief
When to visit
October - February
October to February offers the coolest conditions above ground for reaching this arid part of Andhra Pradesh, though the caves themselves stay warm and can feel humid and stuffy in the lower passages year-round. Summer from March to June is very hot on the surface. The cool season is best for combining the caves comfortably with Gandikota and the surrounding countryside.
Things to do
Experiences in Belum Caves
Belum Caves walk
A guided walk through the lit and developed stretch of the cave system, past chambers, galleries and formations.
Saptasvarala musical chamber
A cave hall whose formations produce ringing tones when tapped, a highlight of the underground route.
Patalaganga sink point
The deepest accessible point of the caves, where the underground stream disappears; passages here can be narrow and humid.
Buddha statue and hillock
The large seated Buddha overlooking the site, tied to the area’s early monastic history.
Gandikota gorge excursion
A pairing with the striking Pennar river canyon and its old fort, often called the Grand Canyon of India.
Getting there
How to reach Belum Caves
Kurnool (Orvakal) is the nearest airport, with Bengaluru and Hyderabad as wider gateways linked by longer road transfers.
Tadipatri and Nandyal are the practical railheads for the caves, followed by a road transfer.
The caves sit in rural Nandyal district and are reached by road from Tadipatri, often on a loop with Gandikota.
Our air-conditioned fleet manages the rural distances and pairs Belum Caves with Gandikota on a single escorted circuit.
Where to stay
Character stays in the wider region, including options near Gandikota that suit a combined itinerary.
Comfortable hotels in Tadipatri or larger towns nearby, given limited lodging at the caves themselves.
Quiet countryside retreats within driving distance for a calmer base in this remote belt.
Where to eat
Spice-forward regional thalis at local eateries in Tadipatri and nearby towns.
The robust, chilli-rich cooking of this region, distinct and full-flavoured; heat levels can be high.
Idli, dosa and filter coffee for a simple meal before or after the cave visit.
Good to know
Belum Caves, your questions
How long is the cave visit?
A half day covers the developed underground route comfortably. Many travellers combine it with Gandikota for a fuller day.
Is Belum the longest cave in India?
It is among the longest cave systems in the Indian subcontinent and one of the longest open to visitors in India; some longer caves exist but are not developed for tourism.
Is it physically demanding?
The main route is walkable but involves steps and some low, narrow, humid passages. The air can feel warm and close, so it suits reasonably mobile visitors.
Can I combine it with Gandikota?
Yes. Belum Caves and the Gandikota gorge are commonly paired on the same circuit, and we arrange them together with comfortable transfers.
Continue exploring
Pairs well with Belum Caves
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