June 24, 2025 - The inclusion of Belum Caves in the Geological Heritage list by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been described as a matter of great pride by Andhra Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh. “Glad that the GSI has given special recognition to the world-famous Belum Caves in Kolimigundla of Nandyal district. These are not just natural wonders but ancient cultural sites that deserve national and global attention,” he said.

Recently, the world-renowned Belum Caves, located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district, was officially announced as a geo-heritage site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). With this recognition, Belum Caves becomes the seventh site in Andhra Pradesh to receive this prestigious status.

Spanning an area of approximately 23 acres, these caves are located in Kolimigundla mandal of Nandyal district and date back to around 450 BCE. They represent ancient culture and heritage and are celebrated as the second longest natural underground cave system in the world and the longest in India.

This recognition by the GSI is expected to increase tourism in the area and further develop the region.

BC Janardhan Reddy, Minister for Roads and Buildings, also hailed this recognition saying, “It is a very proud moment for the people of the Banaganapalle Assembly constituency,” adding that “the Department of Tourism will soon come up with a comprehensive action plan to attract both domestic and international visitors”. 

First documented in 1884 by British geologist Robert Bruce Foote, the Begum Caves are the country’s second-longest publicly accessible limestone cave system. They were explored in the 1980s and declared a protected site in 1988 before opening to the public in 2002.