Kailash Cave Bastar: A Hidden Gem in Nature’s Lap
Kailash Cave, Bastar
Bastar is an enchanting land of dense forests, winding valleys, and serene rivers. Located within Kanger Valley National Park are three remarkable caves, with the Kailash Cave being the oldest. Discovered on March 22, 1993, Kailash Cave is renowned for its stunning limestone formations, which are among the earliest in the region. Stretching 1,000 feet in length and descending 120 feet in depth, this underground marvel features breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites that resemble a Shivlinga, giving the cave its sacred aura. These dripstone formations are deeply revered and worshipped by the locals, earning the cave its mystical charm.
Kutumbasar and Dandak Caves are additional highlights of Kanger Valley National Park. Guided tours with torches are available for tourists eager to explore these natural wonders. However, the Kailash Cave remains closed during the monsoon season and reopens annually from October 16 to June 15. For added adventure, visitors can now enjoy a Gypsy Safari to discover the park’s many other scenic treasures.
As the oldest cave in the park, this natural marvel serves as a testament to the region’s prehistoric past. Located approximately 30 kilometers deep into the heart of Kanger Valley, the cave offers an enchanting experience for visitors. Believed to be millions of years old, the Kailash Cave remains relatively lesser-known but attracts tourists and pilgrims who come to admire its raw beauty. Inside, the cave features intricate rock formations, narrow passages, and small water holes, creating an otherworldly and surreal ambiance.
Also read- Gupt Godavari Caves: The Mystical Legacy of Ancient Hindu Worship
How it came into light
Kailash Cave came into prominence in 1993, although local villagers claim to have known about it much earlier. The discovery of the cave is credited to Forest Guard Sonsay, Rajaram Shivhare, Watchman Sitaram, Gang Supervisor Jhaduram Yadav, and Range Officer Roshan Lal Sahu.
On March 18, 1993, the team initially missed fully exploring the site due to fading daylight. However, they returned on March 22 and uncovered this natural wonder. Upon venturing inside, they were mesmerized by an otherworldly landscape of conical karst formations. Noticing some structures resembling a Shivling, they named the site “Kailash Gufa” (Kailash Cave).
How To Reach Kailash Cave
Bastar has its airport, which the state government manages under the UDAN Scheme. Currently, AIRODISHA operates flights connecting Jagdalpur to Raipur and Vishakhapatnam. For additional air travel options, the nearest major airport is located in Raipur, approximately 300 km from Bastar. This airport is well-connected to all major cities through regular flights operated by various airlines.
Jagdalpur, the district headquarters of Bastar, is well-connected to Visakhapatnam and Raipur by rail. The East Coast Railway manages the Jagdalpur railway station and serves as a vital link for transporting iron ore from NMDC Bacheli to Visakhapatnam. Currently, several trains operate from Jagdalpur to other states.
Kailash Caves Ambikapur
Another Kailash Cave located in Chattishgarh is Sabarbar, approximately 60 km east of Ambikapur. These caves were created by Saint Rameshwar Gahira Guruji and house temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and various other deities. The site comes alive during the Mahashivratri festival, with grand celebrations drawing numerous devotees. Key attractions at this spiritual destination include the temples of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the Yagya Mandap, a Sanskrit school, the Gahira Guru Ashram, Badgdrat Beir, and Badh Mada.
