What is caving?

Caving, also known as spelunking or potholing, is the activity of exploring caves and underground tunnels. It involves exploring and navigating through natural cave systems, which can range from easy to extremely challenging. Caving requires a certain level of physical fitness, as it involves crawling, climbing, and squeezing through tight spaces. It is an adventure activity that offers a unique and thrilling experience to those who dare to explore the underground world.

Why choose Meghalaya for caving?

Meghalaya is known as the "abode of clouds" and is one of the wettest places on earth. This region is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and unique geological formations, which include a vast network of limestone caves. Meghalaya's caves are renowned for their beauty, diversity, and geological significance. The caves in Meghalaya offer a unique opportunity to explore underground rivers, waterfalls, and rock formations that have been formed over millions of years.

Types of caves in Meghalaya

Meghalaya has a vast network of caves, ranging from simple to highly complex systems. Some of the popular types of caves in Meghalaya include:

• Solutional caves: These are caves formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum by groundwater.
• Erosional caves: These are caves formed by the action of running water, waves, and glacial ice.
• Sea caves: These are caves formed by wave action along sea cliffs and rock formations.
• Lava tubes: These are caves formed by the solidification of lava flows, leaving a hollow tube behind.

Best time for caving in Meghalaya

The best time for caving in Meghalaya is from November to March when the weather is dry and pleasant. The monsoon season, from June to September, is not recommended for caving, as the caves can become flooded and dangerous. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning a caving trip and to take necessary precautions.

Essential gear for caving

Caving requires specialized gear to ensure safety and comfort. Some of the essential gear required for caving includes:

• Helmet: To protect the head from falling rocks and to mount the headlamp.
• Headlamp: To provide hands-free illumination in dark and narrow spaces.
• Knee and elbow pads: To protect the knees and elbows while crawling and squeezing through tight spaces.
• Gloves: To protect the hands from cuts and scratches.
• Harness: To attach oneself to a rope for rappelling and ascending.
• Rope: To assist in rappelling and ascending.
• Boots: To provide grip and support while walking on uneven and slippery surfaces.

Caving tours in Meghalaya

There are several adventure tour operators that offer caving tours in Meghalaya. These tours vary in length, difficulty level, and location. Some of the popular caving tours in Meghalaya include:

• Krem Mawmluh: This is one of the longest caves in Meghalaya and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites formations. The tour involves crawling through narrow passages, rappelling down waterfalls, and wading through underground streams.
• Krem Chympe: This cave is known for its unique blue-green water pool and is a popular spot for swimming and cliff jumping. The tour involves hiking through dense forests, wading through streams, and rappelling down waterfalls.
• Krem Dam: This is a challenging cave that requires a high level of physical fitness and caving experience. The tour involves crawling through tight spaces, rappelling down deep pits, and navigating through a maze of underground tunnels.

Caving safety tips

Caving can be a dangerous activity if proper safety measures are not followed. Here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind while caving in Meghalaya:

• Always wear a helmet, headlamp, knee and elbow pads, gloves, and harness.
• Stay together in a group and never go caving alone.
• Follow the guide's instructions and never venture off on your own.
• Carry sufficient food, water, and emergency supplies.
• Be aware of the weather forecast and avoid caving during heavy rains or floods.
• Stay calm and focused, and never panic if you get stuck or lost.

Dos and don'ts while caving

In addition to safety tips, it is essential to follow certain dos and don'ts while caving. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Dos:

• Respect the cave environment and leave no trace.
• Stay quiet and avoid loud noises that may disturb wildlife.
• Observe and appreciate the natural beauty of the cave formations.
• Wear appropriate clothing that covers your body and is comfortable to crawl and climb in.

Don'ts:

• Touch or break stalactites and stalagmites, as they are fragile and take millions of years to form.
• Smoke or light fires inside the caves, as it may cause a fire hazard and damage the cave ecosystem.
• Litter or pollute the cave environment.
• Drink alcohol or use drugs while caving.

Caving etiquette

Caving etiquette refers to the rules and customs that cavers follow while exploring caves. These include:

• Always ask for permission before exploring a cave on private property.
• Never reveal the location of a cave to anyone without permission from the owner or the authorities.
• Respect the cave environment and wildlife and leave no trace.
• Follow the caving regulations and guidelines set by the authorities and the local communities.

Conservation of caves in Meghalaya

Caves are fragile ecosystems that require conservation and protection. Meghalaya's caves are facing numerous threats such as pollution, vandalism, and over-tourism. It is essential to follow responsible tourism practices and promote sustainable caving activities that do not harm the cave environment. The government and local communities have taken several initiatives to conserve the caves in Meghalaya, such as limiting the number of visitors, enforcing regulations, and promoting community-based tourism.

The future of caving in Meghalaya

Caving in Meghalaya has gained popularity in recent years and is attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. With its unique geological formations, diverse cave systems, and rich biodiversity, Meghalaya offers a unique and thrilling experience to cavers. However, it is essential to promote sustainable and responsible tourism practices to ensure the conservation and protection of the cave environment.

Closure

In conclusion, caving in Meghalaya offers an exhilarating adventure experience to those who seek it. With its intricate cave systems, unique geological formations, and rich biodiversity, Meghalaya is a paradise for cavers. However, it is essential to prioritize safety and follow responsible tourism practices to ensure the conservation and protection of the cave environment. By following these guidelines, caving in Meghalaya can be an unforgettable experience that is both thrilling and sustainable.

To reach caving destinations in Meghalaya, one can travel by road as there are several state-run and private buses that connect major cities in Meghalaya with other parts of Northeast India. The nearest bus stand to most of the popular caving destinations is the Shillong Bus Stand, which is well connected with Guwahati, the largest city in the region. From Shillong, one can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach the caving destinations.

Another option is to hire a private vehicle or take a self-drive car rental to explore the caves. The roads in Meghalaya are well-maintained, and driving through the scenic landscape is a delightful experience.

However, it is advisable to check the road conditions and weather before embarking on a journey, especially during the monsoon season, as the roads can become slippery and dangerous. It is also important to have a valid driving license and follow traffic rules while driving in Meghalaya.

How to reach Caving in Meghalay by train and nearest railway station?

The nearest railway station to most of the caving destinations in Meghalaya is Guwahati Railway Station, which is located in the state of Assam, approximately 100 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. Guwahati Railway Station is well connected with major cities in India through regular train services.

From Guwahati, one can take a shared taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach Shillong, which is the gateway to most of the caving destinations in Meghalaya. The journey from Guwahati to Shillong takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Alternatively, one can also travel by train to other railway stations in Meghalaya, such as Lumding Junction or Mendipathar Railway Station, depending on the destination. From these stations, one can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the caving destinations.

It is important to check the train schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the trains can get crowded and tickets can be difficult to obtain.

How to reach Caving in Meghalay by air and nearest airport?

The nearest airport to most of the caving destinations in Meghalaya is the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which is located in the neighboring state of Assam. The airport is well connected with major cities in India and also with some international destinations.

From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Shillong, which is the gateway to most of the caving destinations in Meghalaya. The journey from the airport to Shillong takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

Alternatively, one can also fly to Umroi Airport, which is located approximately 30 km from Shillong. However, the airport has limited connectivity and operates only a few flights.

It is important to check the flight schedules and book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the flights can get crowded and tickets can be difficult to obtain.

FAQs

Is caving in Meghalaya safe? 

Caving can be a dangerous activity if proper safety measures are not followed. However, with the right gear and guidance, caving in Meghalaya can be a safe and enjoyable experience.

Do I need prior caving experience to explore the caves in Meghalaya? 

Many caving tours in Meghalaya cater to both beginners and experienced cavers. However, some caves may require a higher level of physical fitness and caving experience.

What is the best time to go caving in Meghalaya? 

The best time to go caving in Meghalaya is from November to March when the weather is dry and cool.

What should I wear while caving in Meghalaya? 

It is essential to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that covers your body and allows for easy movement while crawling and climbing. Avoid wearing jewelry, loose clothing, and sandals.

How can I contribute to the conservation of caves in Meghalaya? 

You can contribute to the conservation of caves in Meghalaya by following responsible tourism practices, respecting the cave environment, and supporting community-based tourism initiatives.