Kailash Gufa

Kailash Cave


Useful Information

Location: Kanger Valley National Park.
38 km from Jagdalpur.
(18.844507, 81.991576)
Open: Best visited during cold season.
Closed during monsoon.
[2021]
Fee:  
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave
Light: LightIncandescent Electric Light System
Dimension: L=100 m.
Guided tours: L=200 m.
Photography: allowed
Accessibility: no
Bibliography:  
Address: Kailash Gufa, Chhattisgarh 494001.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

MAR-1993 discovered by the director of the Park.

Description

The Kailash gufa (Kailash Cave) is located in Kanger Valley National Park and was discovered by the director of the Park in March 1993. It was developed with paths, steps, railings and electric light. However, the light is powered by solar-powered batteries and rather insufficient, handheld lamps are much recommended. The cave is visited with a guide from the National Park, who drives the visitors to the cave. The entrance is reached at the top of steep steps and has more steps inside, so a little physical fitness and god shoes are necessary.

The cave is a typical karst caves with the characteristic formations like stalactites and stalagmites. Located in a country with so many crystalline and volcanic rocks it is a rare sight and enthusiastically praised. Rather dangerous for the formations and generally discouraged is making music on stalactites by hitting them with fingers or even worse with sticks or keys. Here it is described as an amazing specialty of hollow walls. The end of the cave contains a characteristic stalagmite, which is called a Shiva lingam, the erected penis of Lord Shiva. This X-rated interpretation is widespread, lingams are found in most Indian caves, and in all temples.

The cave is located inside a hill, some 40 m above the valley below. It is about 250 m long and was named after a natural mark or carving in the rock, located 30 m from the entrance, which resembles the idol of Lord Shiva.