Do you know that just a few hundred kilometers away from Hyderabad lies a cave that is almost 5000 years old? We’re talking about the Billa Surgam Caves! Located in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the Billa Surgam Caves are part of a larger cave complex that dates back to the mid-Holocene period, indicating their extremely ancient origins. If you are a history buff, here’s what you should know about the Billa Surgam Caves!
Billa Surgam Caves: History, Location, Best Time To Visit, And More
History Of The Billa Surgam Caves
The Billa Surgam Caves are located in the Betamcherla Mandal of Kurnool district. Though it is a lesser-known tourist attraction, the caves are historically significant. They have been sculpted over hundreds and thousands of years of limestone dissolution.
This geological process has resulted in the formation of a complex labyrinth that the cave complex is a part of today. Some chambers inside the cave complex are, in fact, quite expansive, almost cathedral-like! Studies claim that this cave complex has India’s longest record of archaeological and palaeo-environmental exploration.
Engravings found in the Billa Surgam Caves are said to be of an estimated age ranging between 4,100 and 5,400 years. Cave art and artefacts found in the cave signal that they date back to the mid-Holocene period, indicating their Mesolithic or Neolithic origins.
Who Discovered The Billa Surgam Caves?
Billa Surgam Caves Bethamcherla were first discovered in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote. He discovered Paleolithic stone tools, bone tools, as well as animal remains – artefacts that pointed towards signs of human habitation from the Upper Paleolithic period. Among the artefacts found were weapons like spearheads, scrapers, chisels, etc, that were essential in human communities engaged in hunting and tool-making.
Today, these caves are a particular site of interest among geologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and history experts. Many experts have also stepped in for the conservation and preservation of the caves.
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How To Reach Billa Surgam Caves?
By Air
The Vishakhapatnam Airport is the closest international airport to the caves, which is also located in the state itself. It is approximately 728 km away and takes about 14 to 15 hours. Alternatively, the Hyderabad International Airport is relatively closer, located about 262 km or 4 hours away. However, it is located in the Telangana State and not Andhra Pradesh.
By Rail
The Yeraguntla Junction is located about 118 km away from the caves and is a major railway station in Telangana. There are several long-journey trains that halt at this railway station and you can easily get a local bus or a cab to reach your destination.
By Road
You can alternatively opt for a rented vehicle or self-drive to the location of the caves. There are also buses available from nearby towns and cities due to the now-growing popularity of the caves.
Timings, Entry Fees, And The Best Time To Visit Billa Surgam Caves
Billa Surgam Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Billa Surgam Tickets: INR 50 per person
Make sure to enquire about ticket prices for photography and videography.
The best time to visit the historic caves is between November and February. This is the time when the weather is cooler, daytime temperatures are bearable and humidity is comparatively low. Visiting the caves during this period will allow travelers to comfortably explore the caves and the surrounding area.
On the other hand, avoid the summer months of March to May and monsoon months of June to September/October. The summer months will make the experience much uncomfortable due to the sultry heat, whereas the monsoon season can make exploring the caves quite challenging.
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Tips For Exploring Billa Surgam Caves
- Opt for a tour guide to wholly understand the deeper history and interesting trivia about the caves.
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing to avoid discomfort as you explore the caves. Avoid tight clothes, go for cotton or linen clothes or other comfortable pieces of clothing.
- Choose breathable walking or running shoes since exploring the caves will mean you’ll have to walk on rugged terrain for quite some time. Avoid uncomfortable, tight shoes or heels.
- Carry essentials like bottled water, sunscreen, caps, a first-aid kit, and any medicine that you use.
- Do not litter your surroundings – throw waste in dustbins or carry trash in a small plastic bag and dispose of it in a dustbin later.
- Do not cause any harm to the cave surface by scratching or harming it in any other way. Also, don’t carry small rocks from the cave with you as souvenirs – they aren’t meant to be souvenirs but historical artefacts.
Summing Up
Each corner of India holds countless historical tales waiting to be heard – and the Billa Surgam Caves in Kurnool are just one of them. These caves, considered to have engravings dating back to 4,100 to 5,000 years ago is a prime site of historical significance. So, if you’re interested in knowing about the fascinating tales of the past, you must definitely consider visiting Billa Surgam Caves!
