Arwah Caves Cherrapunji Meghalaya India
Explore ancient marine fossils and stunning limestone formations in this 30-million-year-old cave system near Cherrapunji.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for fossils & views
Arwah Caves Cherrapunji Meghalaya India
Best Time
Best light for fossils & views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient marine fossils and stunning limestone formations in this 30-million-year-old cave system near Cherrapunji.
"A walk through ancient history, Arwah Caves offer a unique glimpse into Meghalaya's prehistoric past."
🔦 Bring Your Own Light Source
A phone flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring darker sections and appreciating the fossils.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path can be damp and uneven; good walking shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossil-Rich Limestone Walls
Inside the cave
Marvel at millions-year-old marine fossils, including trilobites and gastropods, etched into the cave walls.
Subterranean Streams
Inside the cave
Navigate through the cool, damp interior where underground streams add to the cave's mystical ambiance.
Scenic Forest Trail
Path to the cave entrance
Enjoy a picturesque walk through lush forests with chirping birds and towering trees leading to the cave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Darkness (and Bring a Light!)
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔦 Bring Your Own Light Source
A phone flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring darker sections and appreciating the fossils.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path can be damp and uneven; good walking shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable visit.
💰 Entry Fee is Nominal
A small entry fee of Rs 100 makes this a budget-friendly addition to your itinerary.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for about 2-3 hours to fully explore the caves and enjoy the surrounding scenic walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
🔦 Bring Your Own Light Source
A phone flashlight or headlamp is crucial for exploring darker sections and appreciating the fossils.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path can be damp and uneven; good walking shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable visit.
💰 Entry Fee is Nominal
A small entry fee of Rs 100 makes this a budget-friendly addition to your itinerary.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for about 2-3 hours to fully explore the caves and enjoy the surrounding scenic walk.
💧 Be Mindful of Water
Water flows inside the cave, so tread carefully and be prepared for damp conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Arwah Caves offer a unique blend of natural history and gentle adventure, praised for its ancient fossils and scenic approach. While some visitors found the lighting inconsistent and noted it's not as spectacular as Mawsmai Cave, the experience is generally considered worthwhile, especially with a personal flashlight.
"This is a good walk from the parking lot, but a nice walk through a path, forests, the valley, misty and pleasant . The cave itself when we went, had lost power ( we did not realise ) and was pitch dark. We tried our best to move forward with our phone torches. After maybe a bit we moved back to the exit when the lights came on and made life easier 😀. So we walked back to the entrance and started again . We Could not observe too much on the walls and not too many stalactites, but it was still a good experience which became even more exciting briefly because of the darkness.
Not very claustrophobic and mostly can be done walking straight, no need for crouching ."
Avinash Venkataraman
"It has an entry fee of Rs 100 I would recommend only if you have extra time adjust a so so please not so good not so bad Mausami cave is much better but it is also nice you can include this in itinerary 2 and half hour"
Nidhi Gupta
"Arwah Cave offers a truly immersive caving experience blending natural history, adventure, and scenic beauty. It’s ideal for geology enthusiasts, families seeking gentle adventure, or anyone eager for offbeat exploration.
Arwah Cave – Meghalaya’s Subterranean Marvel
Nestled about 3–3.5 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra) in the East Khasi Hills, Arwah Cave is a stunning limestone cavern boasting fossil impressions, underground streams, and dramatic formations—all carved over millions of years"
Hemant Kumar Bahrod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arwah Caves are located about 3-3.5 km from Cherrapunji (Sohra). You can hire a local taxi or a private car to reach the caves. The journey itself is scenic, passing through lush green valleys and forests.
Public transport options directly to Arwah Caves are limited. Hiring a taxi or arranging transport through your accommodation is the most convenient way to visit.
The roads leading to Arwah Caves are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant drive through the Meghalayan landscape.
While possible, walking the 3-3.5 km distance might be challenging due to the terrain and weather conditions. It's recommended to use local transport for comfort and time efficiency.
Yes, there are parking facilities available near the entrance of Arwah Caves for visitors arriving by private vehicles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Arwah Caves is approximately Rs 100 per person. This is a nominal fee for the unique experience offered.
There are no specific age restrictions for entering Arwah Caves. It's generally suitable for most visitors, though younger children might need supervision.
Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required for Arwah Caves.
Arwah Caves are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check locally for the most current operating times, especially during monsoon season.
Information regarding separate photography fees is not widely available. Standard entry fees usually cover general access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A portion of the cave system, about 300 meters, is open to the public and is generally walkable without much crouching.
Arwah Caves are not overly claustrophobic for most visitors, with a mostly straight and walkable path. However, individual experiences may vary.
You can see ancient marine fossils, including impressions of trilobites and gastropods, embedded in the limestone walls.
The cave is generally safe with a walkable trail. However, be cautious of damp surfaces and flowing water inside.
While there isn't a formal guided tour system, local guides might be available at the entrance. The well-marked path makes self-exploration easy.
📸 📸 Photography
The fossil walls, unique limestone formations, and the entrance with the surrounding forest offer great photography opportunities.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's best to use flash sparingly to avoid disturbing the cave environment and other visitors.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the cave's expanse, and a good flashlight is essential for illuminating subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone in the area.
Use your flashlight to highlight the fossil details and experiment with different angles to capture their texture and depth.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Bring a flashlight for kids to use, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for damp conditions. The nominal entry fee makes it a cost-effective outing. Consider it a great way to introduce children to natural history and geology in an exciting, hands-on way.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Pack your own water and snacks to avoid on-site markups. Utilize local taxis for transport, and negotiate fares if possible. The experience itself, with its natural wonders and historical significance, offers great value for money.
🌍 Adventure Seekers
Adventure tips: Always carry a reliable flashlight, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for uneven terrain and dampness. The unique geological formations and the mystery of the unexplored parts of the cave system add to the adventurous appeal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Arwah Caves
The most striking feature of Arwah Caves is the abundance of marine fossils embedded within its limestone walls. These fossils, including ancient trilobites and gastropods, are remnants of a time when this region was submerged under a prehistoric sea. The cave acts as a natural museum, preserving these ancient life forms in remarkable detail. For geology enthusiasts, Arwah Caves offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with Earth's deep past.
While only a portion of the cave system is accessible to the public, the explored sections provide a substantial and engaging experience. The well-maintained pathways and partial lighting allow visitors to safely navigate and appreciate the cave's natural wonders. The presence of underground streams adds to the dynamic environment, reminding visitors of the ongoing processes that continue to shape these subterranean spaces.
Navigating Arwah Caves: Practicalities and Experience
Inside, the cave is cool and relatively quiet, creating an atmospheric experience. The main path is generally easy to walk, and the cave is not overly claustrophobic, making it accessible for most visitors. However, be mindful of damp surfaces and the occasional flowing water, especially during or after heavy rainfall, which is common in Cherrapunji.
Visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. The nominal entry fee of Rs 100 makes it an affordable addition to any Meghalaya itinerary. While there isn't a formal guided tour, the accessible path and informative displays (where available) allow for an independent exploration.
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