nThe Belum Caves are open on all days from 10am to 5pm. Visitors are not allowed to venture into the caves on their own. There are guides who take groups of 10-15 people at a time for a guided tour.

nEntry fee: Rs 25 per person per trip

nSpeleological classification: Karst cave

nIllumination and ventilation inside the cave: Electric lights and fittings and fresh-air-shafts connected to blowers outside.

nTotal length: 3,225m (3.25km)

nLength open to tourists: 1,500 m (1.5km)

nDuration of guided tour: 1-2 hrs (approximately)

nWhere to stay and eat:

The APTDC maintains a small 32-bed dormitory (Rs 40 per person per night). A canteen, curio shop and a restaurant have also been promoted by APTDC.

nGetting there:

The Belum Caves are located in Kolimigundla Mandal (Kolimigundla village) in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh about 270km from Bangalore and 320km from Hyderabad. Frequent buses connect Kurnool with Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and other major cities in the southern part of India. The nearest railway station is at Kurnool town well connected with Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.

nPackage tours. APTDC conducts weekend package tours to Belum Caves with accommodation at the dormitory. For details visit www.aptourism.com.