Ancient Caves of Chhattisgarh: Facts and Features

The caves of Chattisgarh are a series of limestone caves located in Chattisgarh, India. Chhattisgarh is a fascinating state home to some of the world’s most ancient caves. These caves date back over 3500 years and are some of India’s most impressive and well-preserved caves. 

The Chhattisgarh caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any traveller to India. The ancient caves of Chattisgarh are located in the Sonitpur district of Chattisgarh in India. These caves date back to the Palaeolithic period and are some of the oldest known caves. They contain some Palaeolithic paintings and sculptures and evidence of human habitation and agriculture.

Facts and Features of Ancient Caves of Chhattisgarh

The caves of Chattisgarh are one of India’s most important archaeological sites.

• The site has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic age and contains evidence of human behaviour from that era.
• The caves have been explored and excavated by archaeologists and contain a wealth of information about early Indian society.
• The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The caves are situated in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh.
• They are a popular tourist destination because of their beauty and the exciting stalagmites and stalactites found inside.
• The caves are also a source of inspiration for artists and architects.

Some Ancient Caves of Chhattisgarh

Kailash Caves

Buried in the depths of the forest near the waterfalls of Tirathgarh, this underground cave about 25 miles [40 km] from Jagdalpur has a spectacular structure of stalactites (limestone pillars hanging from the roof) and stalagmites (ground pillars). At its age of a million years, it is built on a mound 200 feet  long, 35 feet wide, and 15 feet  deep. 

If you remember that stalactites and stalagmites form, fall, fall, and take about 6,000 years to develop an inch, the massive pillars of Kanger Caves will leave you speechless. There are traces of other stalagmites, which appear to have been worshipped in the form of Shiva Lingam. The echo that takes place here is strange music. One can feel the joy of exploring these fantastic caves with a flashlight and a guide on your journey.

Kutumsar Caves

As soon as you enter, you find out what “pitch-dark” means. Kutumsar Caves, located in the Kanger Ghati National Park, is 38 km from Jagdalpur. 

It is probably the second largest natural cave globally and has five natural chambers and some blind wells. The Kutumsar Caves are also home to a unique species of genetically blind fish.

Singhanpur

Singhanpur is most famous for its ancient caves. Singapore is situated at a distance of 20 km from Raigad and has the distinction of hosting the oldest sculptures on earth. These idols were made in 30000 BC.

Sita Bengra Cave

The legendary and historical tourist site of Ramgarh is the cave of Sita Bengra or the abode of the goddess Sita. Located on the northeast slope of the hill, Sita Bengra Cave is 14 metres long, 4.2 m wide, and 2 m low at the back. The man’s footsteps in the right corner add to the mysterious aura

Jogimara

Jogimara caves are a beautiful and mysterious caves located in the Chhattisgarh region of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is estimated that the cave may date back as far as 125,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest known sites in the area. The cave is home to fascinating prehistoric animals, including a giant sloth, a woolly rhinoceros, and a cave bear. It is also known for its extensive limestone formations, making for an incredibly photogenic backdrop.

Bhangra Caves

Bhangra Caves, also known as the Chhattisgarh Bhangra Caves, are a series of ancient limestone caves located in Chhattisgarh, India. The caves are located in the Aravalli Range, at 2,500 metres (8,202 ft).

The caves date back to the Late Pleistocene or early Holocene period and are believed to have been used as shelter by the ancient Khasi people. They are also known to have been used as a place of worship by the Hindu deity Shiva.

Aranya Caves

The Aranya Caves are a series of deep and extensive limestone caves situated in the Raigarh district of Chhattisgarh, India. The caves are a popular tourist destination known for their spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites.

The caves were first discovered in 1868 by a British officer, James Burgess, searching for a route to the Red Fort. He named them after the Amanya princess, a wife of the Raja of Raigarh. The caves have been extensively explored and mapped and are considered one of the most important tourist destinations in Chhattisgarh.

Kabra Cave (RAIGARH)  

Kabra Cave is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chhattisgarh. The caves are located in the Raigarh district of the state. The caves were formed over 800 million years ago and are among the oldest globally. The caves are a significant tourist attraction and are known for their stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations.

Conclusion

The caves of Chattisgarh are a wonder to behold and explore. They testify to the region’s immense geological, archaeological, and paleontological significance. Moreover, the caves are a source of enormous joy and fascination for tourists, giving them a chance to explore the natural world’s mysteries in an utterly unique setting.