The short answer
Belum Caves: what visitors should know first
Go if you want something different from temples and can manage a staircase and a long walk back. It is about 110 km from Kurnool, so plan a full day, bring water and expect fixed opening hours.
History and context
The story behind Belum Caves
Robert Bruce Foote published the first scientific account in 1884, and a German team led by Herbert Daniel Gebauer mapped the cave in the early 1980s. The Andhra Pradesh government protected the area in 1988, and the Tourism Development Corporation began developing it in 1999, opening it to the public in 2002.
The surveyed length is about 3.2 km and the deepest point is around 150 m below ground. The Geological Survey of India recognised it as a Geo-heritage Site in June 2025.
Useful facts
Belum Caves facts at a glance
- Location
- Belum village, Kolimigundla mandal, Nandyal district
- Experience type
- Limestone cave walk
- Known for
- 3.2 km cave system; musical chamber
- Distance
- About 110 km from Kurnool
- Time or schedule
- Typically 10:00–17:00; confirm
Why it matters
Why Belum Caves is worth your time
Belum is among the longest cave systems on the Indian subcontinent that tourists can visit, and one of the few places in peninsular India where you can see limestone karst below ground. The cave sits in the Cuddapah basin and records the action of groundwater and an old river over a long time.
It also has a human story: artefacts dated to around 4500 BCE have been found, and Jain and Buddhist ascetics later used the caves. That mix of geology and religious history makes it more interesting than a simple natural attraction.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The entrance staircase
A staircase takes you about 20 m down from the surface into the passages.
- 02
Saptasvarala Guha
A musical chamber whose stalactites ring when tapped.
- 03
Karst geology
Layered limestone and sinkholes show how water shaped the cave.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Plan Belum as a half-day outing from your base, as the drive takes a couple of hours each way. Arrive before the afternoon to allow time for the visit and a rest. At the entrance you go down a staircase, around 20 m, into the cave, where electric lighting guides you along passages that are mostly level.
The visitor route covers only part of the cave system, about 1.5 km, and takes roughly an hour. You pass sinkholes, limestone layers and speleothems; one chamber has stalactites that give off a ringing sound when tapped, a feature discovered in 2002. Follow your guide and do not touch the formations.
The cave temperature stays steady through the year, but the air can feel humid. Wear shoes with good grip, carry water, and remember there is no food inside. If you are not sure about the staircase, ask staff to explain the route before buying tickets.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm opening and last-entry times in advance
- Wear shoes with good grip
- Carry water; there is no food inside
- Allow a full day including travel
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Belum village, Kolimigundla mandal; about 110 km from Kurnool (day trip)
- Time needed
- 3–4 hours including the visit, plus 2+ hours each way
- Best time
- Morning to early afternoon; October to March
- Walking level
- Demanding
- Senior comfort
- A staircase leads down at the entrance, headroom is low at one point and the route is long, with a climb back out. There is little seating inside, so it is not ideal for those with knee or breathing problems.
- Tickets and access
- Published information gives a daily 10:00 to 17:00 window and fees that have changed over time; confirm current fees and last entry with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation before you go. A guide is part of the visit.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Belum Caves
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A staircase leads down at the entrance, headroom is low at one point and the route is long, with a climb back out. There is little seating inside, so it is not ideal for those with knee or breathing problems.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Belum Caves from Kurnool?
About 110 km via Banaganapalle, according to showcave listings. Allow a couple of hours each way.
How long is the visit?
The visitor route is about 1.5 km and takes roughly an hour, though the full cave system is about 3.2 km.
Is it suitable for elderly visitors?
Only if they can manage a staircase and a long walk with a climb back out. Ask staff to explain the route first.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
