The Kavala limestone Caves of Dandeli, Karnataka, a fine destination for Nature lovers

 The Kavala Caves are a natural wonder and a must-visit for anyone exploring Dandeli, where  natural beauty blends with wildlife and bio-diversity. It is a memorable destination for nature lovers. The way to the caves is home to wild beasts like Wild boars, deer, etc., besides  various birds, etc. 

Shivalinga of Kavala limestone caves, Karnataka Alamy.com

Visitors need to get necessary permits from the Forest Department to get,  deep into the site 4 to 5 km away. The Karnataka state  forest  department provides a jeep and guide to help the tourists reach the  sentry point, about 8-9 kilometers away. From there, half the distance will be covered by the jeep and to reach the caverns visitors have to walk the rugged trail  accompanied by a guide, 

Surrounded by lush greenery, the Kavala Caves are natural formations in the rocky terrain deep inside the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, making them a top attraction. 

Thin   columns of calcium deposits.bp.blogspot.com
Above image: At Dandeli limestone caverns, Karnataka the vertical columns of calcium deposits are not as conspicuous as in other limestone caverns in the US or Australia. Could be due to poor percolation of water in the limestone formations........ 

qsstudy.com

Above image:  Mostly common in the limestone cavern (forming Karst topography), Stalagmite is a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of  dissolved Calcium  (forming Calcium Carbonate) deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings. They  are typically composed of calcium carbonate, but may consist of lava, mud, peat, pitch, etc. If stalactites – the ceiling formations – grow long enough to connect with stalagmites on the floor, they form a vertical column. Carlsbad Caverns in California and New Mexico, Sonora caverns of Texas, The Lava River Cave, in Bend, Oregon, etc.,  are good example.........

.Location map. Dandeli, KA weather-forecast.com

Known also as Limestone Caves or Sidda, these prehistoric caves were formed due to volcanic  activities and subsequent erosional activities, chemical weathering, etc. Made of limestone rocks the amazing features inside the caves are  stalagmites (growing from bottom) and stalactites (forming from the ceiling) , common features in certain limestone caverns (example Carlsbad caverns of New Mexico, USA). Visitors must descend 375 steps to reach the entrance, where a temple is located The passages inside the cavers are too narrow and it requires crawling for a short distance of 40 ft to move forward  to see the naturally formed Shivalinga, which is about 4 feet high and 3-4 feet in diameter. There is a hood-shaped stone over the Shivalinga, constantly trickling water.  The cave, it is said,  is lit during the Shivaratri festival, during other times, carrying a flashlight is necessary to move in the dark cave.

The caves are inhabited by numerous snakes and bats, adding to their mystique. The trip  back offers breathtaking views of the Kali River flowing down the Dandeli valley. 

.Kavala Caves  Dandeli, KA ,assets.traveltriangle.com

.Kavala Caves Dandeli, KA trawell.in/blog

Visitors should  wear non slippery boots, carry water and food, must stay hydrated as the long trail  and steps may be  exhausting. The Kavala Caves are a natural wonder and a must-visit for anyone exploring  Dandeli, blending natural beauty, wildlife, and historical significance into a memorable destination

.Visitors need to get necessary permits from the Forest Department, To get deep into the site 4 to 5 km away the forest  department provides a jeep and guide to help the tourists we proceeded to the century's entry point, about 8-9 kilometers away. From there, a Jeep, accompanied by a guide, From the entry point  up to 4 km  further inside the forest tourists have the walk on the rugged   terrain. t.

The Kavala Caves are a breathtaking natural wonder that should not be tourists who visit this part of Karnataka.  The naturally formed Shivalinga is a miracle of nature. To enjoy the serene beauty of the surroundings in this place, proper planning is a necessity.

http://travelsfinders.com/kavala-caves-in-dandeli-must-visit-india-travel.html

https://www.worldghoomo.com/kavala-caves-in-dandeli/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/kavala-caves/articleshow/59439674.cms