“Mawmluh Cave-Delving into Meghalaya’s Underground Mysteries”
Mawmluh Cave Meghalaya
Mawmluh Cave is a maze cave in the Indian state of Meghalaya and is located near Cherrapunji, known for its heavy rainfall and stunning natural landscapes. Mawmluh Cave is situated near the village of Mawmluh in the East Khasi Hills district approximately 7.2 km in length, it is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent. The cave, which has several entrances, has formed at the junction between an early Eocene dolomite and a sandstone formation. It contains numerous stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and drapes, collectively termed speleothems.
The cave was formed by the action of water on limestone over thousands of years. It is a limestone cave system, characterized by intricate passages, chambers, and stalactites/stalagmites formations. The Cave is one of the longest caves in Meghalaya, with a length of over 4.5 kilometers. However, only a portion of the cave is accessible to tourists.
Mawmluh Cave is a popular tourist attraction in Meghalaya, especially for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Guided tours are available for visitors who wish to explore the cave system. These tours typically take visitors through well-lit pathways and showcase the unique geological features of the cave.
Apart from its tourism value, the Cave also holds ecological significance. It is home to various species of bats and other cave-dwelling organisms. The cave’s unique ecosystem makes it an area of interest for researchers and conservationists.
Mawmluh Cave UNESCO
The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), one of the largest scientific organizations of UNESCO, has recognized the Mawmluh Cave, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, as one of the first 100 IUGS geological heritage sites. The announcement of the 100 geological heritage sites is expected to kick start an endeavour to designate geological sites from around the world that are iconic, and recognized by all geoscience communities for their impact on understanding the Earth and its history.
Also, read- Meghalayan Age’ the period where we live. Know the new chapter in Earth’s history!
Mawmluh Cave Rivers
Mawmluh Cave is not known for having rivers inside it. While the Cave itself may not contain rivers, the region of Meghalaya is renowned for its abundant rainfall, which results in the formation of numerous rivers and streams throughout the area. These rivers and streams flow through near the cave.
Umngot River
Dawki River
Kynshi River
Myntdu River
While these rivers may not be directly associated with the Cave, they are significant features of the broader landscape near the cave.
Mawmluh Cave Pool
The cave is a long maze with many openings and is decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drapes, and moon milk. Set at an altitude of 4503 m, the cave is known for another prime feature and that is the pool inside the cave which is formed from different rivers that pass through the cave.
Also Read- “Krem Liat Prah”-The hidden longest Cave of Meghalaya
How to reach Mawmluh Cave Meghalaya
Shillong is the capital city of Meghalaya and serves as a major transportation hub in the state. You can reach Shillong by road from Guwahati, Assam, which is the nearest major city with an airport and a railway station. The distance between Guwahati and Shillong is approximately 100 kilometers, and it takes around 2-3 hours to travel by road.
Travel from Shillong to Cherrapunji (Sohra)
Mawmluh Cave is located near Cherrapunji, also known as Sohra, which is approximately 6 kilometers away. You can hire a taxi or use public transportation (such as buses) to travel from Shillong to Cherrapunji. The journey takes around 2-3 hours by road, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Reach Mawmluh Village
Once you reach Cherrapunji, you need to travel to Mawmluh village, which is where Mawmluh Cave is located. You can hire a local taxi or arrange for transportation to take you to Mawmluh village from Cherrapunji. It’s advisable to inquire with local tour operators or accommodations in Cherrapunji for assistance in arranging transportation to Mawmluh village.
Visit Mawmluh Cave
Upon reaching Mawmluh village, you can visit the Cave. The cave is typically accessible via guided tours, so it’s recommended to arrange for a local guide or join a guided tour to explore the cave safely and learn about its geological features and ecological significance.
