Located near Baghmara in Meghalaya, it is a must on every adventurous bucket-list. This limestone cave is the third longest cave in India.
The cave is located in Garo hills and is called as Dabokhol, which means the home of the bats in the local dialect. It is aptly names as the hundreds of bat flutter above as you pass through the enchanting passages of the cave.
There are magnificent limestone rock formations inside. Di’s chamber will fill any visitor with awe. As you traverse further within these other-worldly landscape, you will move further away from the noise and congestion of the ordinary city life.
Carry basic necessities like torch and water to enjoy the mystic environs better. Wearing all weather shoes is better, as some of the tracks are filled with flowing water. Crossing these under-world streams is like walking through a world of fiction or a stripe from the Tin Tin comic.
The food made by the locals is a culinary experience in its own right. It is a haven for the non-vegetarian traveller, while the vegetarian can enjoy some exotic produce of the region. The meat of dog, cat and tiger is consumed by them with much relish. Bamboo shoots are esteemed as a delicacy. They use a kind of potash in curries, known as Kalchi.
It is advised to take the assistance of locals while enjoying the labyrinth within the cave. You can also visit the Tura Peak nearby, which is a forest reserve 872 metres above sea level.
Accommodation is available at Tura, and the caves are accessible by road. You can reach Tura through Guwahati. A four-wheel drive is recommended as the last stretch to the cave can get a rough ride. The best time to visit Siju Caves is in the beginning of the year, and one can avoid the monsoon months in this hill state.
If you are looking for a true travel experience, to experience nature in a raw and magical form, Siju caves is your best bet.
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