One such cave is the Arwah Cave in Meghalaya, famous for housing thousands of years old fossils. Cherrapunji – one of the best places to visit in Meghalaya is a treasure trove of several natural wonders like waterfalls, mysterious forests, valleys, and even dark cave systems. This area is home to several hidden underground caves, that are yet to be discovered.
Out of the ones discovered, the Mawsamai Caves are the most popular, followed by the Arwah Caves in Cherrapunji. Although only some parts of these caves are open for tourists, these parts are enough to give a glimpse of the natural treasures that these caves hold.
Let’s dive into the depths of the Arwah Cave in Meghalaya and discover what’s inside it, how to reach it, the best time to visit, and travel tips for you to plan your visit.
What is Inside Arwah Cave in Meghalaya?
Exploring the Arwah cave in Cherrapunji can be fun and full of surprises at every turn. In some places, you will find high ceilings, and narrow passageways to walk, and at times you also might have to slide, crawl, or bend down to walk and enter the next cavern. Walking through these caves is a unique Meghalayan adventure.
Some parts of the Arwah Cave in Cherrapunji are lit up for better visibility of the treasures inside. Here are some of the things found inside the cave:
What is Inside Arwah Cave
- Stalactites and Stalagmites: Enjoy various rock formations in the form of stalactites and stalagmites on the walls, ceilings, and floors of the Arwah Cave in Meghalaya. Marveling at these structures inside the caves is one of the best things to do in Cherrapunji.
- Water Streams: Several freshwater streams flow inside the caves whose origins are either the dripping rock formations or an undiscovered source hidden in the depths of the Arwah Caves in Cherrapunji.
- Arwah Cave Fossils: Towards the end of the caves, you will find crustacean shells, mollusk shells, and fish bones fossilized over centuries in the limestone walls of the cave. Several other Arwah Cave fossils, make it one of the best places to visit in Cherrapunji for natural history enthusiasts.
How to Reach Arwah Caves in Meghalaya
After walking for about 5 minutes, the Arwah Cave in Cherrapunji appears like a mysterious cave just like in our childhood stories. The cave is easily accessible to tourists from the starting point located just along the Shillong to Cherrapunji Route. The entry point to Arwah Caves in Meghalaya is located just before entering Cherrapunji.
Here are a few ways How To Reach Arwah Caves starting point:
- By Airways: The nearest airport to the Arwah Caves in Meghalaya is Shillong Airport, which is 72 km away. However, the best way to reach them is to arrive at the Guwahati airport, as it has better connectivity to other major Indian cities. The distance between Guwahati Airport and the Arwah Cave in Meghalaya is around 165 km. From the airport, you can hire a cab, local taxi, or shared vehicle to reach the Caves in Meghalaya.
- By Railways: The nearest major railway station to Arwah caves in Cherrapunji is the Guwahati railway station, which is 150 km away. From the railway station, you can enjoy a scenic road journey to Meghalaya by taking a shared vehicle or by hiring a local cab or a taxi.
- By Roadways: Shillong has good connectivity to other parts of the country through an extensive network of National Highways. From Shillong, the Arwah Caves in Cherrapunji are just 53 km away and can be easily covered in 2 hours.
It is generally suggested that you reach Shillong or Cherrapunji, rest, and then visit the Arwah Caves the next day for a better cave exploration experience in Meghalaya.
Best Time To Visit Arwah Caves
In the winter months (December to February), the weather is cool and perfect for hiking to the cave and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Spring and early summer (March to May) are also great times to visit, as the environment is lush and green. Overall, visiting during the dry months allows you to experience the cave fully without the challenges that the rainy season can bring.
Also Checkout: 8 Days Ultimate Adventure Trip to Meghalaya
Essential Information for Travelers Visiting Arwah Cave in Cherrapunji
- Arwah Cave Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Arwah Cave Entry Fee: ₹20 for adults, ₹10 for children, ₹100 for guide, ₹50 for camera, ₹20 for smartphones
- Arwah Cave Length: 300 meters
- Time Required for exploration: 15-30 minutes
Arwah Cave, located 3.5 km from the Cherrapunji Bus Stand in the Khliehshnong area of Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, is a fascinating natural wonder. Surrounded by the dense Law Shynna forest, it offers an exciting experience for adventure enthusiasts and fossil lovers alike.
Although the Arwah Cave length is larger than the well-known Mawsmai Cave, only 300 meters of it is accessible to tourists, taking around 20 minutes to explore. You can explore the interiors by paying minimum Arwah Cave Cherrapunjee Meghalaya entry fees. Inside the cave, it’s dark and mysterious, with narrow passages and chambers that often require crawling to get through.
The limestone formations and fossils found in Arwah Cave are believed to be millions of years old, adding to its mystery. A picturesque wooden bridge leads visitors to the cave entrance, providing breathtaking views of waterfalls in Meghalaya and mist-covered hills along the way.
Exploring Arwah Cave in Meghalaya feels like stepping into a magical world, with its uneven walls and intricate natural formations. The cave was formed over millions of years as water mixed with carbon from decaying plants, slowly creating its impressive limestone structures. This geological process, which takes place over a vast period, has shaped the unique beauty of Arwah Cave, making it a must-visit destination for nature and adventure lovers.
Travel Tips for Visiting Arwah Cave in Meghalaya
- Wear comfortable shoes: The cave has uneven ground and narrow passages, so sturdy footwear is essential.
- Carry a flashlight: The cave is very dark, and additional light will help you navigate the tunnels more easily.
- Hire a guide: A guide can provide useful information about the cave’s history, fossils, and formations, making the visit more interesting.
- Carry enough water: Exploring the cave and walking to the entrance can be tiring, so staying hydrated is important.
- Walk carefully inside: The cave has slippery and uneven surfaces. Move slowly to avoid accidents.
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon season: From June to September, rain makes the paths slippery and dangerous.
- Be ready to crawl: Some parts of the cave are very narrow, so you might need to crouch or crawl through them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I see inside Arwah Caves?
Inside Arwah Caves, you will see stunning limestone formations, fossils embedded in the walls, and chambers with glistening surfaces. The cave has many narrow passages, some of which require crawling, making the exploration both fun and adventurous.
What is the best time to visit Arwah Caves?
The best time to visit Arwah Caves is from October to May. During these months, the weather is dry and pleasant, making it easy to explore the caves. Avoid visiting during the monsoon season (June to September) when the paths can become slippery and dangerous.
Where are Arwah Caves located?
Arwah Caves are located in the Khliehshnong area, about 3.5 km from the Cherrapunji Bus Stand in Meghalaya. The caves are surrounded by the beautiful Law Shynna forest, located just at the entrance of Cherrapunji region while traveling from Shillong.
What makes Arwah Caves unique?
Arwah Caves are special because they contain ancient fossils that are millions of years old, along with impressive limestone formations. The caves are much larger than the nearby Mawsmai Caves, but only a small part is open to tourists. Its uneven walls and narrow passages make it an exciting destination for adventure lovers.